WELLINGTON NORTH – A move to Saturday mornings and a change of location gave the Wellington North Farmers Market a boost in terms of visitors and vendor participation in 2020.
“Up until this year the market was held on Friday afternoons and we would have upwards of nine vendors and 200 visitors each week,” explained economic development officer Dale Small in an Oct. 13 report to council.
Along with the move to Saturdays, the market was relocated from the corner of King and Egremont to the parking lot at the Victory Community Centre.
Small noted the option to move the market indoors to the community centre in case of inclement weather makes the local market “unique.
“Without a doubt the move to Saturdays proved to be very popular and without question this was our most successful year ever,” stated Small.
He noted the number of full-time vendors increased from seven to 13 and the number of daily visitors “almost doubled.”
Small pointed out that “in order to support our Sidewalk Saturday celebrations,” the market moved to Main Street for two Saturdays in August, “which proved to be a hit with both our customers and vendors.”
Small also noted the market successfully navigated new operating procedures required due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We look forward to 2021,” the report states.
“At this time all of our vendors have indicated that they intend to come back, which ensures we will have another successful year.”
CIP grants
Township council approved three façade improvement grants under the municipality’s Community Improvement Program at its Oct. 13 meeting.
Grants included:
- $1,112 for new signage at 274 Main Street South in Mount Forest, new home to Karolina of Canada;
- $ 274 for new signage at 183 Main Street South in Mount Forest, new home to Hybrid Hair and Detox Spa; and
- $ 775 for new signage at 150 Georgina Street in Arthur, home of St. John the Evangelist Church.
