Tyler Kula, The Observer
May 16, 2015
Point Edward’s waterfront is is getting a new attraction alongside fry trucks and scenic river views.
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.
The not-for-profit recently unveiled plans for the Point Edward Moonlight Farmers’ Market, 4-8 p.m. Thursdays starting June 25.
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.
“It is an emerging trend,” 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.
It’s also a key tenet to energizing downtowns, espoused by marketing guru Roger Brooks during a recent Sarnia visit.
“I was trying not to smile” during his presentation earlier this month — when he made the recommendation — Ranick said, noting the local project has been in the works for about two months.
“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,” she said.
Hopes are it’ll not only be profitable for the merchants and vendors involved, but also for the village’s downtown, she said.
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.
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.
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.
The Point Edward market will be the first in Sarnia-Lambton open later than 2 p.m.
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.
This is its rebirth, she said, with a slightly altered format, new digs and new hours of operation.
“We were looking for something that had very high traffic,” she said about the location under the bridge.
“That location is controlled, it’s very simple in terms of setup, we’re not taking any parking away from anybody,” she said, calling the spot “ideal.”
Many merchants involved in the former marina market are on board this time around too, she said.
Plans are to continue into September, possibly October, she said, based on weather and vendors’ availability.
“It’s going to be a fantastic experience for everyone, and I hope a very profitable experience for everyone that’s involved,” Ranick said.