After all the hoo-ha in recent months about the move of the Halifax Farmers' Market from its old location at the Keith's Brewery to the new "Seaport" site at Pier 20, I've been meaning to check it out. With over a month having passed since the new site opened, I got up early this morning and headed down.
My verdict? Too soon to tell for certain; best to wait another six months to a year before passing final judgment. However, based on what I experienced this morning, I fear that the market may have sacrificed the charm and character of the old brewery location for little to no benefit. When I arrived at 8am, it was very busy - and when I left at 9.30, it was beginning to heave. The same could be said of the old location, however - and despite the new site being a cavernous open space, there are still bottlenecks in the flow of people at certain points (a major drawback at the brewery location). It seemed like pretty near all the vendors from the old location have made the move, though, and I was left to wonder who is still holding out over at the brewery. May need to go down there next week, to see.
The market organisers tell us that it's early days yet, and in a few months, once the market is open several days a week instead of just Saturdays, the congestion levels will lessen. I certainly hope so. By the time I left this morning, I was reminded of why I don't often go to this market - I prefer to spend my Saturday mornings tucked up in bed, instead of battling the hordes. Based on today's experience, the new location isn't yet living up to its promise of making the market experience more enjoyable.
That said, there were definitely some positives. Obviously, there's a great selection available and I picked up some lovely Annapolis Valley goodies - beets, corn and apples (including two varieties I've never seen before: "Ginger Gold" and "Mollie's Delicious"), free-range eggs, and excellent yogurt from the Fox Hill Cheese House. The availability of ample free parking is a major bonus (though unless you arrive at the crack of dawn, you may have to walk 5-10 minutes between where your vehicle is parked and the market entrance). Also, the new space has a mezzanine level where most of the arty/crafty vendors are located - useful to have them separated somewhat from the food vendors. Finally, the lousy acoustics of the open hall have ensured that the legions of wailing hippie buskers - who plagued the Brewery Market with their dubious musicianship - have largely disappeared. Huzzah! (hehe)
In the final estimation, I think that for the short term at least, I will be sticking with the little mid-day Friday market at the Victoria General Hospital. It's just down the street from my office, has my favourite vendors from the Saturday market, and I rarely have to wait more than a minute or two at the stands. But if the new Seaport Market does what it's meant to, hopefully shopping there will become more pleasant and more convenient in future.
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