Despite a slow start due to COVID-19, vendors at the North Bay’s Farmers' Market had plenty to be thankful for as the outdoor market closed for the season on Thanksgiving weekend.
“We have seen challenges as a result of the pandemic in terms of vendor participation. But the community has rallied strongly behind the concept of local food and supporting local businesses.,” said Donovan Daniel who sits on the board of directors.
“It was a very different year, but I’m very happy that we made it through. Overall I think it is a good story for the North Bay Farmers’ Market.”
Initially, no one knew how the next few months would play out.
“When the season started, we could only have food vendors. So, we started out a little smaller in size, although we occupied a fairly large footprint and the effort was made to create greater distances between each of the booths. So that went quite well,” Daniel explained.
“Shortly after we opened, we were allowed to have a full complement of vendors including crafters. Thankfully we were ready to accept them due to the extra space that we have this year.”
And that proved to be extremely beneficial.
“When you consider some of the fears that were raised as a result of the pandemic and specifically supply chain disruptions, I think the public was happy to know they could find a lot of the things they would normally purchase, food especially, right here,” said Daniel.
“It was very comforting for them to have this as an avenue to soothe themselves through the pandemic.”
Vendor Cari Davis saw support grow as customers slowly returned to the market, supporting businesses they had come to rely on over the years.
“We’ve been really fortunate being outdoors. I think there is an incredible benefit from the new layout they’ve implemented this year,” said Davis owner of Mud Dog Creek Natural Soy Candles.
“I feel the customers have a lot more space and they’re a lot more relaxed and comfortable with the environment. And it enables them to stop and see all the vendors instead of feeling like they’re fighting through a crowd.”
Vendor Claudette Jesso also experienced an increase in foot traffic.
“It’s been great. Of course, it helps that I make the masks now. I started making masks because my customers asked me to, so it has just ballooned. I donated to some people too. I just love it,” grinned Jesso.
“And it is great to see people. I know it is hard nowadays because everybody is afraid. But we’ve got great protocols so everybody is pretty safe. You can’t be 100 per cent but we try.”
Wayne Chalmers of Springhill Farms is reporting a profitable season.
“It has been a good steady market. Actually, sales are way up. People are coming out and supporting the local growers. We appreciate that.”
One of those customers is Katie Kleinian.
“I enjoy the local businesses. I like to support them. I enjoy that the products are package-free, eco-friendly. I try to do zero waste,” said the teen.
“I like good food and I like the different products. I just have a good time when I come to the market.”
Mom Judy makes shopping local a priority.
“It is great if you like fresh garlic, the raspberries, the blueberries, the baking, the pumpkins all that stuff. If you can, buy local all the time.”