Amid-November farmers’ market coming to the Manitoba Hydro Place Gallery in downtown Winnipeg is a one-day-only event, but it could be the start of things to come, say its hosts.
On Nov. 14, the Downtown BIZ’s farmers’ market will offer an indoor location enabling Winnipeggers to stroll the vendors’ booths and shop for the fresh produce and crafts they offer regardless of weather.
The holiday market is the latest event of the downtown markets that began operating this year and which have proved more successful than anyone first imagined, says a Downtown BIZ spokesman. The summer weekly markets, which ran from July to September, had hundreds of visitors and there were vendors on waiting lists.
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After the Nov. 14 market, organizers want to continue discussions with vendors, producers and farmers about the feasibility of doing this throughout the year, said Jason Syvixay.
“We want to hear from the community and as many people as possible to see if there’s a need,” he said.
“The November 14 market is the only one that’s lined up (for winter) so far, but we’re having ongoing discussions with vendors and producers and farmers about the feasibility of a permanent one.”
The Downtown BIZ market launched in July this year. It was supposed to end in early September, but was so busy and popular organizers added three more days that month. It was hugely popular, both with visitors and vendors.
“People kept talking about it so we said let’s try November as a pilot to see if it works,” said Syvixay.
The indoor market, which featured 40 vendors throughout the summer months, was spearheaded by Downtown BIZ with support from Manitoba Hydro, CentreVenture, and 102.3 Clear FM.
These groups are also “very excited” about the prospects of a year-round market in downtown Winnipeg, said Syvixay.
“If this is something that people really want all year round that’s something that we’ll definitely explore,” he said.
The Nov. 14 winter market will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Manitoba Hydro Plaza (by Edmonton Street and Graham Avenue) and will feature a selection of fresh produce as well as crafts, baked goods, and gifts.
Downtown BIZ promotions of the farmers’ market say it has added “a unique destination” to the downtown and contributed to the vibrancy of downtown Winnipeg streets and sidewalks, attracting business for nearby stores and restaurants.
