It's a sure sign that the end of summer is near - the last Ladner Village Market of the season is set for this weekend.
"It has been phenomenal," Tracey McKnight, one of the organizers, says of this year's run.
The popular attraction, billed as Western Canada's largest open-air market, draws big crowds to Ladner Village each year with seven dates throughout the summer. This Sunday marks the final date for 2014.
"We've had a great selection of artists this season," McKnight says, adding that expanded space for produce vendors has allowed them to better display the bounty of local fruit and vegetables.
There are 10 new artists set for Sunday's market, as well as many old favourites.
Offerings from new vendors this year included art panels made from birch, aluminum and pine, glass art, jewelry, pottery, photography, freshly frozen beef and artisan vinegars.
Approximately 160 artisans and vendors attend each market as well as local merchants.
And there is always live music. The Swamp Dogs, a Cajun-style band that includes a couple members of market favourite Mojo Zydeco, will help close out the season.
It's a dedicated group of people who help with the organization of the market along with volunteers who help with traffic, greet artisans and answer questions at an information booth throughout the day.
"We really couldn't do our market without our volunteers," McKnight says. The final market of the season has also been proclaimed Farmers Appreciation Day, in recognition of the B.C. Association of Farmers' Markets Farmers Appreciation Week, which runs Sept. 8 to 15.
"Taste some produce from our local vendors ... try a new vegetable," McKnight says.
"You can just taste the freshness."
The market runs 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., rain or shine, along 48th Avenue.
For more on the market, visit ladnervillagemarket. com, follow on Twitter at twitter.com/LadnerVillage or contact [email protected].
