Calling all vendors, a new community market is coming to Lake Cowichan.
It will be a space for fresh local produce, multicultural food, art, handcrafted goods, and most of all a celebration of community.
"We are very excited and hopeful at the same time," said organizer Vita Liepa.
Liepa is the founder and owner of Vita’s Farmhouse Kitchen, which first got its start in May 2024, operating as a seasonal cafe in Honeymoon Bay. Liepa embarked on this journey as a way to share her favourite Latvian family recipes as well as other recipes she has collected from around the world. Later this month she will be operating only as a take-out kitchen in a new location in Lake Cowichan.
"Vita’s Farmhouse Kitchen will be offering up a selection of delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner items for take-out during the market hours," said Liepa.
In addition to the new Lake Cowichan Community Market welcoming an array of fresh local produce, baked goods, preserves, art, jewelry, handcrafted goods, pre-loved items and more, they would also love to have musicians bring their talents and perform during market hours.
The new outdoor market, which will be located at 149 Cowichan Lake Rd., will be held on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting June 29 to Oct. 12, and on Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m., from July 1 to Sept. 2.
The cost for vendors to participate on Sundays is $320 for the season, or a fee of $25 for drop-ins, while to participate for season for the Tuesday market the cost is $180 for the entire season, or a fee of $20 for drop-ins.
Liepa said there is enough room for 20 vendors, but noted it would be possible to create more space, if need be. Deadline for its early bird special is June 15. For more information on the upcoming market or to participate as a vendor email Vita or Laura Sirmul at vitasfarmhouse@gmail.com.
"The vision is to bring more affordable fresh local produce, as well as different kinds of food while promoting crafts and art," said Liepa. "We aim to make it a very enjoyable experience for the vendors, as well as all visitors and shoppers."
