This is the last summer you'll be able to meander amongst the Farmers' Market tables in the brewery market, and it's as busy and crowded as ever. Theresa Cole, the market's operations manager, says she's been counting the number of market-goers at 8,000 to 9,000 the past few weekends. With the sun coming out and the smell of lilacs wafting through the air, it's no wonder Haligonians have upped their market-going frequency.
Currently, the crafters and other artisans who've occupied market space since Christmas are up and leaving to make room for the farmers returning with their produce.
"Primarily, we're a farmers' market," says Cole. She adds that the rotation of crafters and farmers is a yearly occurrence. While the crafters and other secondary producers are popular and can still be found in the stalls and tables, summer space is first given to those with primary farmers' products. At a time where the market's pushing capacity, that doesn't leave much breathing room.
Rest assured Cole will be keeping what she calls "the old standbys"---Evan's Seafood is still bringing fresh seafood straight from the dock in Pubnico, and Creperie Mobile will keep its new, extended hours and days---while bringing in some new faces. Cammie Harbottle is coming to the market from Tatamagouche with a variety of organic plants, and she'll be here by the end of June with an outdoor table. An already present addition to the market is Gluten Free Goodies, which delivers just what it suggests. Cole says their granola is "amazing."
Soon there'll be room for everyone at the market---this time next year, the Seaport Farmers' Market will be opening its doors to a whole new tradition. Located at Pier 20 on the waterfront, the Seaport will be open longer, for more days, and have a larger capacity for vendors. So sit tight, Halifax, and show our farmers the support they need in their last year at the brewery.
