Quispamsis Approves Outdoor Farmers’ Market

A new weekly outdoor farmers’ market could be coming to Quispamsis this summer.

Andrew Ryder approached council this week for permission to use the Arts & Culture Park behind town hall.

Ryder spoke about the vision he and his wife, Isabel, have for the farmers’ market during Tuesday’s meeting.

“What we’re looking for is to bring an economic, viable business that just promotes local. We want local people, local vegetables, local meat. We want harvested, crafted, sourced goods all from New Brunswick,” said Ryder.

Ryder said the idea first came from his wife, who has been working in markets for 26 years.

The market, he said, will offer something new for the town and promote the beautiful grounds the community has to offer.

Coun. Sean Luck asked the couple what sort of protocols would be in place for vendors and the clean-up afterwards.

“I know after these events sometimes what’s left behind is sometimes not very attractive,” said Luck.

Ryder said vendors would be responsible for their own waste and organizers will be able to monitor this by assigning vendors to specific spots.

He said the market would run on Sundays between 2 and 7 p.m. to avoid interfering with other local markets.

“We’re trying to play nice with all of them because we all work together,” said Ryder.

Ryder said they anticipate starting with around 50 vendors but hope to have as many as 80 once the market gets established.

According to COVID-19 protocols, the Arts & Culture Park would be able to accommodate up to 150 people at once.

Council unanimously approved the request, pending the couple getting approval from the provincial government.