HYDE CREEK—The sunshine made a brief appearance last weekend for the North Island Farmer’s Market’s season closer.
Vendors gathered outside of the Hyde Creek Petro Canada station on Saturday for the last market of the season. The tables, which showcased local gardeners and craft makers, featured everything from homegrown produce to crafts to baked goods.
Although the market eventually succumbed to rain, it saw a large turnout of vendors and customers in its early hours.
“Last year’s last day was bad,” said event organizer Neva Perrot, referring to a torrential downpour during last year’s final market that had vendors packing up early.
“This season’s been good,” she went on. “It seems to grow a little each year, so that’s really hopeful. I’m happy to see a couple more vendors today.”
Perrott is already working out the details for next season, which will probably start up in late May or early June with plants and starters.
“I love this location,” she said. “We have everything that we need here—parking, washrooms, an ATM, lots of space.” The location is also ideal, she said, because many vendors are from the Hyde Creek and Nimpkish Heights area.
“I think people are excited about it,” said Perrot. “My hope is that it grows even more.”