Goodwill blossomed throughout the city this week as incrEDIBLE volunteers readied to host a fundraiser at the Saturday farmers market.
Now there’s a wheelbarrow brimming with $1,000+ worth of prizes all donated by market vendors and local businesses, that with a minimum $10 donation to BC Wildfire Relief, will go to one lucky winner.
“The business community is amazing,” said market organizer Gina Ironmonger Wednesday morning. “The phone keeps ringing, prizes are now worth over $1,400.”
Joining locals who make, bake, grow and raise their goods for the Cedar Avenue markets, will be Canadian Red Cross volunteers, taking direct contributions and offering information about the ongoing wildfire relief efforts.
“Wanting to help the thousands of B.C. families impacted by the hundreds of fires this year, Trail’s IncrEDIBLE Farmers Market has partnered with businesses to help with the Red Cross relief and recovery,” Ironmonger told the Times.
“Many families were evacuated, many were devastated,” she shared.
“My family faced two evacuations, had to move farm animals to safe places, and three are fighting fires.”
All fundraiser proceeds will go to the Red Cross-trained disaster response teams.
“They can go to work immediately registering impacted people, providing cots, blankets, and safe places to sleep,” Ironmonger said.
“Many evacuees had to escape the flames quickly, with nothing but what they were wearing.”
Market visitors who contribute $10 or more to the cause, will be entered to win prizes that include a Maple Leaf Canadian 150 Diamond, artisan pottery, a gold and shell necklace and earring set, garden art, 10 3D movie adult passes, gift certificates for everything from meat to dinners, tickets to the Gold Fever Follies and much more.
“The Red Cross will be on site to answer questions and to take donations directly and give receipts for eligible donations,” Ironmonger affirmed.
“Many businesses and service organizations have been collecting funds and are welcome to come on down and present directly.”
Besides the grand prize, market favourites like Kreative Cupcakes, are hosting their own fundraising drives.
For a minimum $3 donation, shoppers can enjoy a decadent Kreative cupcake, L’Bears will be selling organic popcorn topped with Himalayan Salt and Udo’s Oil, and children can take part in a $2 scavenger hunt.
“This town just knocks your socks off,” she mused.
This is the second season for the downtown markets, and so far, community response has been nothing but favourable.
“Trail’s IncrEDIBLE Farmers Market is a proud member of the BC Association of Farmers Markets, which supports local made, baked, grown, raised or wildly harvested,” Ironmonger explained.
“It is important for us to be part of the association that promotes the humane treatment of animals and local agriculture while supporting local business.”
Run by volunteers, the group’s mission is to offer a fun and safe place where residents and visitors can shop for fresh nutritious food and locally made products, and where consumers can meet the artisan and ask questions of the farmer.
“The market is a place for them to connect, socialize with neighbours,” said Ironmonger. “And enjoy some local made food while listening to or watching local entertainment.”
And there will be plenty of entertainment for shoppers this weekend as well.
Ev Kinsella (this week’s Music in the Park musician) will perform his eclectic sound of soul, acoustic rock and reggae from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Gold Fever Follies will perform at noon, and for the first time, Shmyra from Kootenay Hoop Troop will be on site from 10:15 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.
“Our market is run by volunteers who are passionate about the purpose of the market,” Ironmonger noted.
“Our motto speaks to the heart of our commitment to our region - ‘Growing our Communities Together’ - all proceeds go back directly into the community or back into the market.”
She mentioned another seasonal feature, a misting tent, that visitors may want to use over and over during the 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. event - especially with Saturday forecast to reach 35 C or 95 degrees.
“The misting tent delivers a continuous cool mist that you can walk through or just enjoy for a short time,” Ironmonger said.
“It cools you down, but because it is a fine mist, it evaporates very quickly.”
For more information, visit the market’s Facebook Page at TrailsincrEDIBLE Farmers Market.