Are you struggling to find an active, family-friendly, local weekend activity that is also easy on the wallet? Just go to the weekly Abbotsford Farm and Country Market.
Finding the perfect weekend activity can be tough, especially when you’ve got a family that have totally different ideas of a fun Saturday. The Abbotsford Farm and Country Market combines fresh locally-grown foods, activities for kids, live music, some light exercise, and fresh air, all right in the downtown core of historic Abbotsford. Did we mention the free samples? There’s a ton of free samples.
(Pictured are rice crackers and homemade red pepper jelly by Wawa’s Jams and Jellys)
The best part about this Farmers Market is that there are new vendors every single week, so there is always something different to see. It’s also a great way to see which products and brands are produced locally. You can feel like a cultured, knowledgeable, local-ambassador in just a few short hours after making your way through the different tables.
Shopping local can also be a more budget-friendly way to eat healthy foods. We can’t all shop at Whole Foods, so we might as well shop local. The extra fees added on by big box stores are removed when you buy directly from the manufacturer.
There is no better way to start your weekend than by giving yourself a feel-good glow from supporting your local farmers without going broke. You won’t even feel guilty about bringing home a bouquet of beautiful flowers for absolutely no reason at all, other than the fact that they are beautiful!
While the Farm and Country Market definitely has a grass-roots vibe, the vendors make shopping easy. Most vendors accept debit and credit through their mobile Square readers. There is even an ATM onsite if you are totally strapped.
If you are looking to try some new, and possibly unheard of, veggie-based treats, trying the free samples is great and commitment free. I was pretty nervous to try the Kale Chips. I like kale. I like chips. But together? I wasn’t too sure.
I bit the bullet, or rather the crunchy kale chip, and was really surprised! The Sour Cream and Onion flavour was true to the name and seriously crunchy.
Each vendor is an expert in their trade. It was fascinating listening to them tell the story of their product, how they created their business, and why they love what they do. The authenticity is humbling. It will really make you appreciate where you live.
Other fun finds from the Farm and Country Market were the build-a-floral-bouquet table, fruit-infused lemonades, single-use fire blocks, a huge table of close to 50 different types of jellies and jams, and literally every type of fruit and vegetable grown here in British Columbia. It’s a little overwhelming, but we promise you’ll have a great time.
The Abbotsford Farm and Country Market runs until mid-December, so you’ve got plenty of time to stop by and visit. You never know—this could turn into the perfect Saturday morning family tradition!
