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Strawberry signs forever for Richmond farmer

The old sign has done its duty and has been respectfully retired after decades of service.
farm
Richmond farmer Bill Zylmans with his new sign. Photo submitted

The old sign has done its duty and has been respectfully retired after decades of service.

The mark the unofficial opening of the strawberry season in Richmond – and an apparent détente with city hall – veteran farmer Bill Zylmans erected a brand new sign on Wednesday.

Standing proudly on Westminster Highway at Knight Street is the 12 feet by 12 feet sign announcing his strawberries are ready for picking.

With spring being up and down weather-wide, Zylmans said he’d love a little more sunshine to boost this year’s crop, but added that it’s coming along fine.

“I’m totally optimistic. We need something positive in the world right now, so let’s make it strawberries!” he told the Richmond News.

Zylmans went head-to-head with the City of Richmond last summer and fall, when he was fined $1,000 for erecting his seasonal signs on city land, something he had done without an issue for decades.

Last week, city council approved a plan which would allow such seasonal agricultural produce signage, as long as an application form was filled in.