<div>Tyler Kula, The Observer</div><div>May 16, 2015</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>Point Edward's waterfront is is getting a new attraction alongside fry trucks and scenic river views.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>For those chomping at the bit for farmers' market fare outside of weekends and work hours, the Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation (SLBDC) is bringing in an evening event Thursdays under the Blue Water Bridge.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>The not-for-profit recently unveiled plans for the Point Edward Moonlight Farmers' Market, 4-8 p.m. Thursdays starting June 25.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>Specialty food vendors, artisans and local producers, 15 to 20-strong, will fill in weekly along a service road near Livingtston Street and Michigan Avenue, at the end of the village's commercial district, said the corporation's Tracy Ranick.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div> ;ldquo;It is an emerging trend, ;rdquo; she said about keeping evening hours for farmers' markets. This model lets people peruse after work, or while down under the bridge for events like soccer games, she said.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>It's also a key tenet to energizing downtowns, espoused by marketing guru Roger Brooks during a recent Sarnia visit.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div> ;ldquo;I was trying not to smile ;rdquo; during his presentation earlier this month ;mdash; when he made the recommendation ;mdash; Ranick said, noting the local project has been in the works for about two months.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div> ;ldquo;It gives the opportunity for more people to take advantage of the market experience and it's very much a trend that's been successful in a lot of other cities, ;rdquo; she said.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>Hopes are it'll not only be profitable for the merchants and vendors involved, but also for the village's downtown, she said.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>An information table will be set up to highlight special offers and events in the Point, and there'll also be live music and demonstrations highlighting aspects of agriculture, she said.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>Citing the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance, the business development corporation said for every $1 spent on local food or culinary tourism, $4 flow back into the local economy.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>Other farmers' markets in the area include one on Sarnia's Proctor Street that runs year-round Wednesdays and Saturdays, and seasonal daytime markets in Grand Bend, Petrolia and Forest.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>The Point Edward market will be the first in Sarnia-Lambton open later than 2 p.m.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>Up until 2013, a seasonal market also run by the business corporation was open Sundays at the Sarnia Bay Marina, but it wasn't attracting enough traffic and went on hiatus last year, Ranick said.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>This is its rebirth, she said, with a slightly altered format, new digs and new hours of operation.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div> ;ldquo;We were looking for something that had very high traffic, ;rdquo; she said about the location under the bridge.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div> ;ldquo;That location is controlled, it's very simple in terms of setup, we're not taking any parking away from anybody, ;rdquo; she said, calling the spot ;ldquo;ideal. ;rdquo;</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>Many merchants involved in the former marina market are on board this time around too, she said.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div>Plans are to continue into September, possibly October, she said, based on weather and vendors' availability.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div><div> ;ldquo;It's going to be a fantastic experience for everyone, and I hope a very profitable experience for everyone that's involved, ;rdquo; Ranick said.</div><div> ;nbsp;</div>
