In just a few weeks’ time, Niverville’s new farmer’s market will become a regular fixture. Hosted by the Niverville Chamber of Commerce, the market will set up along Arena Road, immediately across from McDonald’s.
Although originally planned for Friday afternoons from May to September, the market will now run every Thursday afternoon from noon until 6:00 p.m. The new kickoff date is June 18, the first Thursday after the fair.
Bre-Ann Boulet is director of the Chamber of Commerce and market coordinator along with Sandra Ingenmy, a Niverville resident with extensive market background.
The change from Friday to Thursday was a result of vendor feedback. Their goal is to catch summer vacationers before they head to the cottage for weekends. It also allows vendors preparation time for other weekend markets they attend.
Extending the hours as they did also has some strategic merit. By doing so, they’ll be open and ready for the lunch crowd as well as the after-work rush.
At this stage, approximately 25 vendors have committed to Niverville’s summer market. Each one fits within the Chamber’s market theme: “Make it, bake it or grow it.”
“It ranges from food and produce to canned goods, jewelry, home décor, and arts and crafts,” says Boulet. “We’ve got a really great variety coming.”
With spring’s relatively late arrival, Boulet says, by mid June produce vendors should have the first of their fresh garden vegetables on offer.
The expectation for this farmer’s market extends far beyond just providing an avenue for locals to sell their wares.
“Our vision is to create a vibrant weekly gathering space that supports local businesses, brings people together, and becomes a Niverville staple,” says Boulet.
This community gathering space will be created by incorporating food trucks so the hungry can head to the market to grab something hot and delicious. As well, there’ll be local musicians and performers to keep crowds entertained. Boulet anticipates adding themed days to keep the event fresh and fun.
In the end, though, the ultimate goal of the Chamber is to give local small businesses a boost.
“We really want to foster the entrepreneurial spirit,” Boulet says. “This is a stepping stone for small businesses. A lot of local businesses started as a hobby in their basement and now have grown. So this is a starting place with low risk.”
The opportunity isn’t limited to adults. Youth are also welcome to bring their interesting business ideas to the market.
Making an event like this successful, though, requires lots of local support. That includes support from locals who choose a market purchase over one made outside the community.
As well, support is needed in the form of volunteerism and donations. Businesses, organizations, or families willing to provide a kids entertainment booth, for example, are welcome. The possibilities are limited only by a person’s imagination.
“If there are any schools, youth groups, artists, musicians, sports teams, businesses or community organizations that love supporting local, we’d love to get them involved,” Boulet says.
Why would a brick-and-mortar business want to support market competition? Boulet says it’s about big picture thinking. A successful market is a tourist attraction, bringing visitors in to spend the day and support other local businesses as they do. As well, businesses supporting other businesses aids in strengthening the commercial sector as a whole.
“As Niverville grows, we want the market to grow with it. It will serve a role in preserving that smalltown culture while also welcoming new residents.”
The Chamber is grateful to the Town of Niverville for graciously providing the Centennial Arena’s parking lot and access to washrooms, helping ensure the market’s success.
Any vendors who are interested but not yet registered can reach out to Boulet at Chamber@niverville.com. Watch for Niverville Farmer’s Market updates on social media.