Farmers markets are a great way for consumers to get fresher produce — pesticide-free and at better prices — by buying direct from the producer and eliminating the middleman.

These types of markets have been found all over the world for centuries and we have our share here in Winnipeg. Most people are familiar with the one at The Forks, but perhaps the biggest is found in St. Norbert. There is also another one held on Portage Avenue west of the Red River Ex site.

Here in River Heights we have our very own. The River Heights Farmer’s Market is about to start up once again for it’s third season of operation. It was originally formed as a joint project when St. Andrews River Heights United Church began doing more eco-friendly initiatives and teamed up with the Central Corydon Community Centre to form our market.

Last year saw both vendor participation and customer attendance double over the previous year. And great things are expected when it re-opens for business this year.

Market co-ordinator Barbara Coombes is looking for food vendors for the Friday market. Stalls are still available and there is a $25 registration fee. Stall rentals are only $5 per day or $10 per month. Prospective food vendors however will have to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation.

This year’s market is set to open at the River Heights Community Club on Grosvenor Avenue at Oak Street on July 6 and will run every Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Check out its Facebook site or contact market Coombes for more details at 489-2239 or farmersmarket@centralcorydoncc.com.

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The Central Corydon Community Centre is having a name, logo and colour contest. Open to area residents of all ages, the contest will be used to select new names to replace the existing Cardinals, Explorers and Grizzlies team names at the centre’s three facilities.

If you have an idea that you would like to submit, please send it to the attention of Abbie Bajon, C4 Program Manager at 1170 Corydon. Ave, Winnipeg, MN, R3M 0Z1 or by email to programservices@centralcorydoncc.com .

Submissions should include a written statement on why you think the new name/team logo should be what you are suggesting, along with your name, mailing address and contact information. If mailing submissions, please include your name and contact information in a separate envelope. Submissions will be reviewed by the C4 communications committee for eventual consideration by the board. The successful name/logo will be revealed at an upcoming public event in 2012.

The community club is also having a "shoe drive" in conjunction with the Manitoba organization More Than Shoes (http://www.morethanshoes.ca/).

The club is looking for up to 100 pairs of new children’s running shoes and winter boots to help needy families. They can be dropped off at the club’s River Heights, Sir John Franklin or Crescentwood branches.

 Trevor Smith is a community correspondent for River Heights. You can contact him via email at smitht@mymts.net.