Residents gathered to see old friends and make new ones Saturday, May 4 at the Williams Lake Food Policy Council’s Seedy Saturday and early bird Williams Lake Farmers’ Market event May 4.
Held next to Kiwanis Park, vendors brought the outdoor market area back to life after a six-month winter hiatus.
Everything from flowers and tomato plants to pottery to Mexican food, cookies and even mushrooms were available for sale.
Friends Linda Boisvert and Karen Hill said they were having a great time shopping and visiting at the event, noting they really enjoyed “the whole atmosphere here and getting local plants from local people.”
Bryden Kohnke of Mushroom Monarchy was on hand selling his fresh pink oyster and lion’s mane mushrooms and dried morels.
Kohnke said he started growing mushrooms “because they are delicious, nutritious, fascinating and beautiful” nine years ago, and turned his hobby into a business five years ago.
He plans to be at the local market this season.
Glenda and Alan Wilson were also at the early bird market selling their Scottish shortbread cookies, made using Alan’s family recipe and his mom’s original cookie mold.
The couple moved to 150 Mile House from Abbotsford about a year ago to escape the rush of the city and just thought they’d make their cookies and take them to markets to meet people. In short order, their cookies were a hit and they made new friends too.
“It was the friendliness of the community that drew us in,” said Glenda of 150 Mile House. “I just love it here.”
The couple plan to be at the market twice a month.
Students from Lake City Secondary School’s The Grow Operators were also at Seedy Saturday selling their tomatoes, hanging baskets, veggies and plants, hanging strawberries and geraniums.
Members of the Williams Lake Garden Club also had a booth, saying they are in the stages of planning for their upcoming summer garden tour.
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