As Kathi Travers wrote in her column last Thursday, I, too, love farmers' markets. I also agree with her opinion that while the community can come together in such a wonderful way lately welcoming evacuees we don't seem to be able to work together for the benefit of the visitors to the market, the market vendors and the community as a whole - a pity indeed.
I wholeheartedly agree with Kathi's view on this and to give credit to the City of Prince George. They have started out on the right foot by making the front of city hall available to the markets and turning the area into a marketplace for interested community groups.
A splendid idea that would go quite a distance towards improving downtown; just look at the popularity of Foodie Fridays, Summerfest, and other community events that are held in that area downtown.
One little caveat on Kathi's column: while we all agree that the green building that houses the market year round is less than ideal, it provides vendors a much needed venue to offer their local products not only during the short summer season but all year round and, as such, is crucial to the success of their outlets and the market as a not for profit organization.
Full disclosure at this point: while I'm no longer a vendor at the downtown market, I am still active on the board of directors of the Prince George Farmers Market Association (PGFMA).
As such I can say that the PGFMA fully supports the city's marketplace idea and that we would welcome any additional activity in the area in front of city hall whether that be other markets or other community groups.
Working together benefits everybody be that shoppers, community groups, individual vendors, the perception of downtown and the community in general. So, let's talk and make it happen!
Roman Muntener,
Director, Prince George
Farmers Market Association
