What a night! Celebrating those who make such a special place, with special guest

鈥� BC Farmers' Markets (@BCFarmersMarket)

Local Friesen Farms and You鈥檝e Gotta Have Friends have won awards from the B.C. Associations of Farmers Markets.

鈥淭he judges were impressed by the exemplary calibre of all the nominees, their initiative and ongoing work to strengthen the local food economy and to contribute to their communities,鈥� said Elizabeth Quinnm, the former association executive director.

Friesen Farms won for vendor of the year.

was named the winner of the partner of the year for its program at the 91原创 Seniors Resource Centre.

The association celebrated the best of B.C. with the fifth annual awards which were presented this past weekend.

YGHF will be receiving its award from the because the awards were handed out in Victoria.

鈥淲e have participated in their coupon program for seniors and provided a food education class called Let鈥檚 Talk Food hosted by Penny Hambrook and Debby Maloney. These two have been the impetus behind the program and have built a bit of a following at the 91原创 Seniors Centre where the program is held,鈥� said Janice McTaggart, of YGHF.

Winner of Vendor of the Year in the farmer category has been selling at the Abbotsford Farm and Country Market since 2004. Ann and Albert Friesen of Friesen Farm were noted for their community contributions and dedication to supporting the development of their local farmers鈥� market in Abbotsford by serving on the board of directors and mentoring new vendors 鈥� not to mention their generous donation of marigold plants to mothers on Mother鈥檚 Day.

The Farmers鈥� Market Awards were part of the BCAFM鈥檚 annual conference, Growing Together. The BCAFM is a registered society that represents over 145 farmers鈥� markets across B.C. Its mission is to develop, promote and strengthen the capacity of farmers鈥� markets in all regions of the province. Visit to learn more or find the locations of B.C.鈥檚 farmers鈥� markets.