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Winter Farmers Market: A Community Hub in the Colder Months

Bydmelendez

  • Winter Farmers Market (Photo Taken by Daniela Duran, TRU, 2026)

Winter Farmers Market (Photo Taken by Daniela Duran, TRU, 2026)

The Winter Farmers Market operates indoors every Saturday from November 1, 2025, to April 11, 2026, at the Mount Paul Community Food Centre (140 Laburnum St), from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. During the colder months, this market becomes a warm and welcoming space where people can gather, shop, and connect with local vendors.

The market’s strong sense of community is what makes it special. People are speaking, supporting small businesses, and enjoying the experience together, creating a welcoming and vibrant vibe as soon as you step in. The market sells a wide range of products, including handmade products, distinctive craft items, and fresh, locally produced food. This combination creates a place where customers may find meaningful and innovative things in addition to shopping for essentials.

Beyond simply supporting monetary exchanges, the Winter Farmers Market is crucial for supporting local businesses and establishing relationships within the community. While customers enjoy a more intimate and genuine shopping experience, vendors get the chance to share their creations and stories. It’s a location where relationships are formed and the community connects in a straightforward yet significant way.

In general, the market is a location that builds community and honors local talent and culture rather than only being a place to buy something.

Watch the video below to experience the atmosphere of the Winter Farmers Market.

Behind the Scenes of TRU Idays Fashion Show

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TRU Idays is an annual event that brings students that brings students from different cultures together to celebrate diversity through food, music, dance and fashion. This year this event takes place from March 11th to March 13th at TRU creating a space for students to come and express their cultural identity with everyone. The fashion show was more than just a performance it was a celebration of culture, identity and student creativity. Even though the audience see the final results on stage every successful event involves preparation, coordination, and the hard work of students behind the scenes.

Marvellous a student performer shares her experience participating in the fashion show and how she prepared for the event and also why opportunities like this are meaningful for students during their time at TRU. Through her lenses she shares the confidence, effort and excitement that come with stepping onto the stage and representing her culture in front of an audience.

TRU Idays Fashion Show – Photo credits by Tadiwanashe Machana

TRU Events

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More Than an Exhibition: Black Canvas Brings Black History to life at TRU

Performers take the stage during The Black Canva Exhibition held in recognition of Black History Month at TRU – Photo credits Tadiwanashe Machana

Art, music and community came together on campus during Black Canvas, an art exhibition held in recognition of Black History Month at Thompson Rivers University. The event created space for students, artists and community members to engage with Black history, culture and creative expression through visual art and live performances.

Students and community members attend the Black Canvas art exhibition, viewing artwork and engaging in conversations – Photo credits Tadiwanashe Machana

The exhibition featured a curated collection of contemporary artwork that focused on Black identity, lived experiences and cultural storytelling. Everyone who was present moved through the gallery space, stopping to reflect on the artwork while interacting with artists and fellow students. Live performances held during the event added energy to the evening and encouraged audience engagement. There was food that was served as well to make everyone feel more comfortable and enjoy the experience. ” This felt like home, especially since everyone is welcoming and having fun, while being able to learn about different cultures is amazing,” stated by one of the students, Williane Nikobamye.

Black Canvas was organized by the African Caribbean Student Association (ACSA) alongside several campus and community organizations. The exhibition was curated by Hardley Williams and supported by the Caribbean Diaspora Society of Kamloops, the Unique Get Together Society, and TRU’s Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism, with additional support from the Kamloops Art Gallery and TRU Visual Arts.

This is the Black Canva art exhibition, which outlines the event’s focus on Black History and Culture – Photo credits Tadiwanashe Machana

Events like Black Canvas play an important role in bringing students and the wider community together on campus and informing them. By highlighting Black history and culture, this event created space for learning, appreciation and unity while entertaining art and performance. For many students, events like this provide opportunities to connect with different perspectives outside of the classroom and engage more deeply with campus life and make new friends and connections in the process.

As part of Black History Month, Black Canvas emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating Black voices and experiences. Through collaboration between student groups, artists and university partners, the event demonstrated how campus programming can foster inclusion, reflection and community connection at Thompson Rivers University. This event helped connect students from different backgrounds and ensure a good time was had.