When you think of 鈥済ala,鈥� the word 鈥済umboots鈥� may not come immediately to mind.
But for the 91原创 Community Farmers Market Society (LCFMS), the words are a perfect pairing.
The second annual Gumboot Gala, in support of the market, is set for June 10 and tickets are now on sale.
Proceeds will support the 91原创 Community Farmers Market Society in its mission to promote local agriculture and improve the overall quality of life in a sustainable, food-secure community.
The gumboots featured at the fundraiser are whimsical and eye-catching.
But the link to the bakers, makers, and growers who are part of the 91原创 Community Farmers Market is strong.
鈥淥ur focus is to connect our community with locally made, baked and grown products,鈥� said Paige Dampier, LCFMS chair and a farmer and vendor at the market.
鈥淲hen you are out in the field, you put your gumboots on 鈥� the boots are part of who you are, what you do, and the food you grow,鈥� Dampier said.
鈥淎t the gala, we get to celebrate that connection. The gumboots are fun, but they are a reminder that the 91原创 Community Farmers Market is all about real food, made available in a community-based setting.鈥�
The market is held each Wednesday, from noon to 4:30 p.m., at Kwantlen Polytechnic University鈥檚 91原创 campus, at 20901 91原创 Bypass.
The Gumboot Gala will be held on Saturday, June 10 from 5 to 10:30 p.m. in the 91原创 Senior Resources Society banquet hall, 20605-51B Ave.
Tickets are $42 each, and are available through Event Brite at www.gumbootgala2017.eventbrite.ca.
The evening includes a turkey dinner buffet donated by local farmers and producers.
The night will also feature a live auction, 50/50 raffle, a boot draw, with dancing and live music will round out the evening.
Gala-goers are invited to get into the spirit of the event and to support their local farmers by coming decked out in their favourite pair of gumboots, Dampier added.
Funds raised will support LCFMS programs such as the brand new food recovery program and the nutrition coupon program, aimed at getting fresh food to low-income families and seniors in our community.
