By Dominic Abassi

Popular Cedar Farmers Market moving to new location

Apr 23, 2019 | 5:11 PM

NANAIMO — After more than two-decades in the same location, one of the most popular farmers’ markets on the mid-island is on the move.

The Cedar Farmers Market will operate on the large property surrounding the now-closed Woodbank Elementary School on Woodbank Rd. in Cedar. The new home is less than two-kilometres from the former location next to the Crow & Gate Pub on Yellow Point Rd., a spot which hosted the market for more than 20 years.

A need for more space to safely accommodate the growth of the market was cited as one of the main factors behind the move.

Cedar market board member Nico Machado said the three-acre Woodbank site presents “boundless possibilities” for the future.

“We are keeping the same energy at a different place…The major difference will be that we’re in a neighbourhood with more people around. But the vendors will be the same, the energy of the market will be the same, only bigger,” Machado said.

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He said the market averaged around 80 vendors each Sunday during last year’s season and at least that many are expected for opening day on May 12 this year.

Machado described the Cedar market as a destination, with people coming from all over the island to check out the huge variety of fresh produce, crafts, meats and baked goods for sale.

The importance of the market goes far beyond financial gain for the local vendors, Machado said.

“The Cedar Farmers Market is the display of their work and energy,” he said. “For me it’s not just a place where I make good money. It’s the place we engage with all of the vendors in our region. It’s an eclectic community where you get ideas and feed off of each other.”

Machado said they are well-aware the market’s presence will have an impact on the residents around Woodbank and organizers plan to use ongoing communication to make the situation work for everyone. He said parking could present a challenge but it’s something they will work through as they become acclimatized in the new location.

The market runs every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. between Mother’s Day and the last Sunday in October.

dom@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @domabassi