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History

The Farmers’ Market is a long-standing tradition in Kamloops, with roots extending back to the early 20th century.

In 1914 Kamloops city council set up a market area complete with wooden stalls on the current site of the Plaza Heritage Hotel at Fourth Avenue and Victoria Street. There were sixteen vendors at this initial marketplace, which continued through the 1st world war and closed in 1919.

The current market was started in 1978 in response to local awareness of global issues, and a recognition of the existing disjointed food system. Why should a farmer local to Kamloops have to send produce to Vancouver or Calgary to have it distributed back to the nearest communities? The market emerged as a way to bridge this gap between local producers and consumers, and also as a response to global food security issues as a way of thinking globally and acting locally.

With support from City Council and the School Board, the first market was held in 1978. A second location with the Wednesday market was added in the 1980s and was originally sited at the location of the old Leland Hotel at 3rd Avenue and Victoria Street, where the TD Canada Trust building now stands.

Almost forty years later the market is thriving and continues to be an inspiration – a great gathering place to make and /or meet friends and exchange ideas – a place to share your passion for food and community. It’s a family place with a festive atmosphere, often complete with clowns and musical entertainment.

The Kamloops Farmers’ Market strives to make everyone feel welcome. On Saturday, we set up our information and compliments booth at the entrance of the Stuart Wood Elementary School grounds. This is a good place for market customers to meet, get information about the market and our products, or just to relax.

The Market welcomes home producers as well as farmers who want to become vendors. Community artisans, home-based businesses, and special music and other events also find a place at the market.

We would like others to join us, share the abundance of our surroundings and inspire and nurture those around us.

Our Team

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GREG UNGER 

Farmers' Market Manager 

 

Greg Unger cares deeply about food security and food sovereignty. Prior to moving to Kamloops in 2017, he was the warehouse manager at Winnipeg Harvest, a food distribution center and food advocacy organization for food banks in Manitoba. Greg also currently works part-time as the Community Gardens Coordinator for Interior Community Services and the City of Kamloops. He is also on the board of the BC Association of Farmers Markets and on the planning committee for the Butler Urban Farm. Greg's non-work hobbies include tinkering on bicycles and gardening.

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DEANNA HURSTFIELD (her/she)

Social Media & Special Events Coordinator 

 

Deanna Hurstfield has been involved with the Kamloops Farmers’ Market since 2010 and is actively involved in advocating for our food system.  She is a Kamloops native with a passion for farming, Fun facts about Deanna: 

  • Once tried SPIN farming and failed

  • Cycling enthusiast and advocate; her family is car-free!

  • A co-ordinator for the Kamloops Organics Buying Club

  • Speaks English, some French, and also trying to learn Mandarin

  • She has an educational background in geography and fine arts

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