Prince George, BC – Aboriginal drummers will welcome market-goers to the first outdoor gathering of the Prince George Farmers’ Market at Wilson Square later this morning…

Today marks the start of the market’s 15th season in Prince George.  For the past two years, the market has run through the winter with a number of vendors maintaining stalls indoors in the former Morrison’s Men’s Wear building at the corner of 3rd Avenue and George Street.  The PG Farmers’ Market Association chose not to renew its lease which expired at the end of April, because of a rent increase and the loss of one of its prime vendors. (click here, for previous story)

Association President, Nancie Krushelnicki, says all vendors will be outdoors for the summer and the board is exploring its options – looking for a venue that could accomodate the indoor/outdoor market.

"We would prefer to stay in the downtown core, that’s what we’ve been striving for," says Krushelnicki.  "Because we feel it’s important for the city of Prince George and also for our own vendors, who prefer being downtown."

Krushelnicki says the market continues to grow bigger and better every year.  She says there will be approximately 50 vendors on-hand today, but that will grow to between 75 and 80 by the end of June.

The vendors will be open for business at 8:30am.  A traditional First Nations blessing and local MLA Shirley Bond will officially open the 15th season at 10am, with free cupcakes for the first 200 visitors this morning.