The talk over the fence was about a split happening within the Prince George Farmers' Market but the group's president says that's a load of organic bovine fertilizer.
The farmers' market has had some shake-ups in the last couple of years, Maria Pennock admitted, but the organization remains strong. They were having success during the winter months inside the former Morrison's Menswear location at the corner of Third Avenue and George Street, kitty-corner from Wilson Square where their outdoor version has been operating for years.
The landlord had other offers on the building, however, so the market had to move. After debating and researching what should be done next, an indoor location was found at 1074 Sixth Ave. behind The Keg. Beside it was a spacious parking lot where their Saturday outdoor market could also set up. However, more debate ensued about the old outdoor location. It was market-tested and popular with the public. Should they focus on the new location or try to include the old as well?
The group's decision was to attempt to make both the old and the new succeed.
"It was an interesting year, and trying on us, to have the two locations going, making the two locations operate," said Pennock. "Some people were adamant about one spot and others were adamant about the other, but it wasn't a bitter tug of war, it was a lively discussion. And now that it's underway it is even more acceptable to people."
The members voted to keep the decision up to individual vendors. If a vendor wants to sell at the Wilson Square location one week than back at the Sixth Avenue home base the next, that is no problem. Setting up at both simultaneously is also acceptable.
For many vendors, said Pennock, the decision rests on the time of year and what affect that has on inventory. There are also fewer vendors with regular sales in winter, so the indoor market is sufficient for now. And when harvest is in full effect, they now have room for two outdoor locations plus the indoor space.
The farmers' market believes it's good for the local economy because of all the pedestrian traffic it brings to the downtown, and all the money spent on local products.
"I love the walk between the two, and I think we are helping downtown better than we ever have before," Pennock said. "Our downtown changes its entire personality on Saturday when those tents go up and the buskers start their music and people are eating bannock on the park benches."
She said the market intends to approach the Downtown Business Improvement Association about partnering up for a value-added Saturday experience. The businesses in the area could have their own sidewalk sales and Saturday door-crasher specials to take advantage of all the passersby, and in exchange be drawing more traffic to the market.
The market group currently has 108 members. Of those, 60 to 70 come out for Saturday vending each week, and more are joining as the days advance towards the fall harvest.
