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.
This article appears in Jun 18-24, 2009.