The Hazelton Farmers’ Market continued to grow in 2014, with more vendors signing up to sell hand-raised, locally-grown and home-baked goods at the weekly event.
Organizer Jonathan Knight said despite lower tourist numbers, local crowds at the weekly market were big enough to attract more sellers.
“We are definitely a market that focuses on our community and the people who live here,” said Knight.
“The tourist traffic is sort of the icing on the cake.
“In terms of our friends and neighbours it’s definitely been growing every year, this year included.”
With another successful season completed, Knight said organizers would use the winter to plan for the 2015 season.
He said the current format and location was working so there were no plans to make changes.
However, he noted the market was always looking for new vendors.
“The more food vendors we can make it worth their while then the more food they are producing locally which is ultimately a great thing,” said Knight.
“It’s really not just about farmers but it’s about craft industry in general and really helping to boost the local regional small-scale economy for the ground up.”
Knight added that all of the vendors must fit the criteria for a farmers’ market, which means their goods must be locally made, baked or grown.
“It’s not a flea market, no one is buying produce from the grocery store which they are turning around and selling,” he said.
The last market for 2014 was held at the Hazelton Area Visitor Centre on Sunday, Sept. 28.