The bounty of local products will be on display soon as the Chilliwack Farmers Market is back for a second season.

"It's a beautiful sight at a local venue," says market manager Geoffrey Dalman. "After a long, cold spring, it's my idea of paradise."

Last year the market sold an astonishing variety of products for a first-year market, according to Dalman: strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, apples, pears, raspberries, grapes, onions, fiesta squash, spaghetti squash, pettipans, potatoes, corn, dragon beans, green beans, purple beans and more. There was also honey, jams, chutneys, barbecue sauce, local home-grown pork, fresh eggs, B.C. beef and the fresh bread, which always sells out quickly.

The market also featured jewelry, paintings, hand-blown glass and hand-crafted wood novelty items.

The market has a down-home, family feeling to it. Vendors and often their families sell their wares. Seniors and young families enjoy browsing the products.

"It is always a joy to see young children insisting that their parents have to buy them fruit or vegetables," said assistant market manager Heather Martin. Dalman's father, Lyall Dalman, was central to posting signs and promoting the market as a member of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce in its first year but he needs some volunteer help this year due to an illness over the winter.

All market produce is grown locally or close by, such as in the Okanagan. The market is based on the "make it, bake it or grow it" concept. The market is a member of the BC Farmers Market Association.

Produce is always dependent on what is ready at any given time. After a long, cool spring the crops tend to be a little later than normal. There is a chart showing when fruit and vegetables are normally ready to harvest in this area on the market website. There are wonderful photos and more information about the market at www.ChilliwackFarmersMarket.com. Vendors can also find an application form and rates for booths.

"We are looking forward to the return of many vendors, and, of course, we are always looking to add new ones," added Dalman. "We are having a vendors meeting on May 22."

Anyone interested in attending or hearing more about the market is welcome to e-mail Dalman at info@ChilliwackFarmersMarket.com.

- The market is open Saturdays starting June 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The location is Fairfield Island, at Minter Country Garden Store's front parking lot, 10015 Young Rd.