Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Greater Napanee’s Hometown Market is set to return June 12, once again on the south lawn of the Strathcona Paper Centre.
This will mark the second straight year the market will set up at the SPC in order to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols. It’s scheduled to run for 12 consecutive Saturdays, ending on Aug. 28.
“This year the location is once again based on Public Health recommendations,” said Bethany Chadwick, Greater Napanee’s community programming clerk. “With COVID still around and restrictions still in place, it was recommended that we stick to the Strathcona Paper Centre because there is lots of parking and that we can space out vendors and have plenty of space for the shoppers to walk around as well.”
The first year at the SPC was seen as success, finding a happy medium between location and safety.
“It was well attended by both vendors and public,” said Chadwick. “The location, I know some see it as a hurdle to get to but a lot see it as a central location and love that there is tons of parking and there is always something going on at the arena whether it’s an indoor event or outdoor event, soccer pitches or whatever.”
In accordance with Public Health guidelines, the market will be limited to 12 vendors for the foreseeable future and will once again focus on food and produce vendors. The open-air market provides an alternative for those uncomfortable with shopping indoors at this time.
Though the vendor list is currently full, anyone interested in getting on the waiting list can still contact HometownMarket@GreaterNapanee.com should the town be allowed to expand their vendor roster.
New this year the market will have a virtual component on FreshFind.ca. The platform will help residents connect with their local producers and directly access and purchase fresh goods from the comfort of home. Interested vendors don’t have to be part of the physical Hometown Market to be part of the virtual one.
The virtual market will be open to shoppers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The weekly pick up will be held Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the municipal building located in Conservation Park in downtown Napanee. Online payment is required in advance.