BY WENDY ELLIOTT
Kings County Advertiser/Register
As of the end of January, the Wolfville Farmers’ Market’s new project had raised $41,000, 21 per cent of its $200,000 community goal.
Organizers have raised $525,000 from government and have a $100,000 commitment from the vendors themselves for the total project. The new market is expected to open around Victoria Day.
Market manager Kelly Marie Redcliffe was busy answering questions from enthusiastic community members at a Wolfville event last month. She explained a number of the initiatives underway, like the brick wall for donors and various naming opportunities.
It is estimated redevelopment of the old DeWolfe fruit warehouse will cost $800,000, making it structurally sound, adding large roll-up windows, room for 70 vendors and a 3,600-square-foot assembly area. The new facility will be self-sustaining, as on-going maintenance will be built in annual vendor contracts. The non-profit market will pay commercial taxes through its landlord Acadia University.
The board is looking for champions to help raise funds, people or groups interested in contributing to the campaign by buying a brick, grassroots initiatives to raise funds and opportunities to speak with community groups, families, individuals and businesses about the plans.
“It will be a hub for local food and culture,” promised Redcliffe, “with a focus on agriculture. We have a vibrant community, and I’m sure they’ll tell us how they would like to use the space.”
Redcliffe said the market attracts between 1,000 and 2,000 people during summer Saturdays, but drops to 500 or 600 regulars in the dead of winter.
Anyone who wants information can pick up a Grow Our Market brochure at the info booth at the market, where concept drawings are on display; Just Us Cafe, TAN Cafe, the Wolfville post office and EOS.
welliott@kentvilleadvertiser.ca
