Naramata Community Market

For Immediate Release

March 1, 2021

THE NARAMATA COMMUNITY MARKET IS COMING BACK

Slower than Ever

Naramata, B.C. - Do you grow the Valley's biggest and tastiest zucchinis? Have you been elected the de facto pie baking champion of your neighbourhood? Is your child proving to be the next Coco Chanel of recycled wallets? If so, the Naramata Community Market wants you.

On the heels of a year full of reflection, that emphasized the importance of ‘home' like not other, the NaramataSlow Society is thrilled to announce the “assumption and resumption” of a home-grown, home-town hero - Naramata's farmers market.

Over the past six months dedicated “Slow” members Dawn Lennie, Rene Mehrer, and Jacquie Carlson have been laying the groundwork for a newly imagined market. They couldn't be more excited to announce the launch of the Naramata Community market set for Wednesday, June 2.

Committed to the farmers market principles of “make it, bake it, grow it”, the goal is to showcase a variety of in-season fruits and vegetables and locally made food products, as well as convenience meals, snacks and locally crafted goods.

“Our aim is to create a uniquely Naramatian market. In addition to local farmers, we are calling on all Naramata-based green thumbs, artists, makers, bakers and even kids with a side hustle to populate our community market. We are open to co-operative approaches and out-of-the-box thinking."

- Dawn Lennie, NaramataSlow

Rooted in the Cittaslow philosophy, the market is more than just delicious, it encourages community and tradition while offering a schedule of weekly community events. (Even the crowd-pleasing “cherry pit spit” will return, if COVID approved). NaramataSlow organizer, Jacquie Carlson, has secured some new additions to the 2021 lineup including a formal commitment from the Okanagan Seed Savers. “The passionate group that supports local seed saving, seed diversity, growing and education, will be bringing focused tastings and teachings to our village” shares Carlson.

The Naramata Community Market will operate every Wednesday from June 2 through September 29 from 4pm to 7pm. An ideal option for after work shopping and take-out dining, the new market will set up shop at Manitou Beach Park. Naramata’s famous local beach is wheelchair accessible, offers ample parking and brand new washroom facilities.

All COVID best practices will be firmly in place and well enforced, ensuring a safe and fun experience for all.

Those interested in hosting a table, volunteering or being involved in this year’s market are encouraged to email naramataslow@gmail.com to collaborate. Be sure to follow Naramata Slow on our Facebook and Instagram accounts or visit NaramataSlow.com.

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Media Contacts:

Dawn Lennie, Organizer - Naramata Slow Cittaslow Community Group

(250) 490-5761

dawnnaramata@gmail.com

Jacquie Carlson, Organizer - Naramata Slow Cittaslow Community Group

(250) 490-1077

jacquie.carlson@me.com

René Mehrer, Organizer - Naramata Slow Cittaslow Community Group

(250) 462-4969

renemehrer@gmail.com