Press Release
June 11, 2012
Port Hawkesbury Community Market Grows with Local Support!
Port Hawkesbury, NS – There’s a new kid in town; it’s the Port Hawkesbury Community Market! Over a dozen local vendors are bringing their products to the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre on June 14th in what will be the first in a series of five monthly markets. Visitors to the Community Market can expect to find sea glass jewelry, purses made from reclaimed fabric, beauty products, flowers (annuals, perennials, etc), manure and compost products, wool products, fresh farm eggs, and a selection of delicious baked goods! It is very early in the season, so there will be a minimal selection of fresh produce. Keep in mind however, that we are only getting started and there will be plenty of unique and local products from which to choose. Jamie’s artisan bread and Martin’s German pretzels have been a favorite at markets already – a treat not to be missed!
Starting this Thursday, June 14, and continuing on the second Thursday of each month until October, a Community Market will be held in the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. The specific market dates are June 14th, July 12th, August 9th, September 13th, and a grand finale of a Market on October 8th in celebration of Thanksgiving Day. It has never been more important than now to take pride in and make connections in our communities. This market is driven by a group of committed volunteers and vendors who are thrilled to create a vibrant shopping experience and bring a diverse group of people together through a shared social space.
Interested vendors are encouraged to contact Amanda at the Strait-Highlands RDA to reserve their spot at any of our Markets (amanda.mombourquette@strait-highlands.ns.ca). It’s not too late to book your table for June 14! Tables are just $16 each and can be booked for each market session – you don’t need to book for the whole season. This is the first year for the Port Hawkesbury Farmers’ Market, and as such Market organizers anticipate making frequent tweaks to the Market during this season to ensure that we meets the expectations of both vendors and consumers. So please, let us know if you have a great idea for the Market!
In particular, we are looking to grow the food product side of our Market offering as the season progresses. One of the ways we are encouraging entrepreneurism is by offering two “incubator tables” for small scale produce growers – the hobbyist gardener – who may have excess product they’ve grown at home. These growers are invited to bring their fresh produce to the Market and we will provide them with a table at no cost up until they reach a certain level of sales. This could be your opportunity to cash in on your green thumb! Contact Amanda for details.
We’ll also have resources available for people who are interested in starting to garden. Our good friends at TABLES (online Facebook Group) will be at the Market will lots of helpful growing information. TABLES is a local food advocacy group in Southern Cape Breton – they have the expertise to help you get started growing on the right foot. We’ll also have connections to small business start-up resources for those considering taking their food or artisan business to the next level.
There will be something for everyone at the Port Hawkesbury Community Market. So, mark your calendar for June 14 and see you at the Market!
Media Contact: Amanda Mombourquetteamanda.mombourquette@strait-highlands.ns.ca
Phone: 902.631.0690
