Upwards of 2,500 people visited the Cedar Farmers Market through peak times in 2021, setting new records and creating booming business for nearly 100 vendors. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

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‘We’re operating at our max capacity now:’ Cedar market season nears close after record year

Oct 10, 2021 | 6:09 AM

NANAIMO — More visitors, more vendors and more tasty treats has led to a record year for a local summer favourite.

The Cedar Farmers Market saw upwards of 2,500 people shopping each Sunday, a 25 per cent increase on previous years.

Market manager Kate Poirier told NanaimoNewsNOW more people are becoming passionate about where their food comes from and want to try new things they might not find in a supermarket.

“We get a lot of comments from people that they’re new, there’s people coming from all over the Island to come to little Cedar, to come shopping here.”

Growth in foot traffic to Woobank Rd. every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. was matched this year by more demand for space on the old Woodbank school field.

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The market is at capacity with nearly 100 vendors setting up most weeks, offering varieties of baked goods, produce, arts and crafts.

“There’s new side hustles coming because people want to work for themselves and have that stability where they can make their own money,” Poirier said. “It’s helped our market grow, we’re operating at our max capacity now.”

Space is the biggest limiter for the market, according to Poirier. She said while they’d love to expand, they can’t fit any more booths into their space so will instead focus on perfecting the vast setup they currently have.

She added “there’s always room to improve.”

In a bid to add more value to the market experience, Poirier has launched a short story contest to end the market season.

“I love story writing, that type of creativity. I love stories that are slice of life, first person stories. With COVID, a lot of our events and special activities had to be cancelled. This is something that can be done completely online, there’s no barriers to access, no entry fee.”

Cash prizes are on offer for the best 1000-2000 word true stories based on key market themes such as growing, making, eating, building, foraging, sustainability or entrepreneurship.

More information on the contest is available here.

The 2021 Cedar Farmers Market wraps with a Halloween-themed edition on Sunday, Oct. 31. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume and “trick or treat” at vendor stalls.

A special Christmas-themed market will be hosted Nov. 21.

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alex.rawnsley@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley