WHITE ROCK - The White Rock Farmers' Market is gearing up for another fun-filled season beginning May 27.

The market, which is in its 13th season this year, features fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, garden products, specialty food items such as organic cheese and local seafood, as well as crafts.

Coun. Helen Fathers, market manager, said many special events are planned for this year, in hopes of making the market a destination for residents of White Rock and beyond.

"When you come to the market, it's not just about selling fruits and vegetables, it's about connecting with the community at large," Fathers said. "This year we're hoping to attract lots of people by offering a large span of activities."

A returning event is Doggy Day, which will be held on July 15. It features a dog show, but new this year is a dog obedience class.

New this season is a children's cooking class, which will be held on July 8. The market will teach children aged five to 12 about "farm to table eating," Fathers said.

"We will walk through the market, pick out fruits and veggies, decide what to make and make it right there on-site," she said.

And the market will be holding an event for Canada Day on July 1.

This year, the market has partnered with the Fraser Valley Regional Library to host two Library Live and On Tour events, which are focused on educating adults about literacy.

And, as always, the market will be offering free space to non-profit groups.

In honour of Mary Hartwell, a former market director who passed away from cancer last year, the market has set up a scholarship fund. There is $2,500 to give away, $1,100 of which was collected at Hartwell's funeral and the rest made up of a donation from the market.

"The plan is to donate the money to somebody going to school for food and nutrition, farming, something like that. We wanted to do this to remember Mary," Fathers said.

Fathers said the market is proud to be almost entirely self-sufficient.

"Only about two per cent of our total budget comes from grants," she said.

The market is waiting to hear back on a grant it's applied for from Vancity Credit Union, to fund a special events co-ordinator. But either way, Fathers said there will be lots to see and do at this year's White Rock Farmers' market.

The market will be held every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May 27 to Oct. 7 next to the Whaling Wall, between Johnston Road and 15154 Russell Ave., Miramar Village Plaza.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit whiterockfarmersmarket.ca.

areid@thenownewspaper.com