Terry-Lyn Thompson, who is on the working committee of the City Market, said: "We open again on November 13 and will continue every week until the end of June. The City Market has really become popular over the years after expanding from the Farmers' Market about four or five years ago. I think some people love to come down on Saturday mornings as a social occasion. It is a fun time and a great place to bring your kids as well as there are a number of arts and crafts there for them."
Besides the numerous vegetables and food products grown by local farmers, there will also be items like jewellery and other special products. "We usually have a lady who sells knitted wear and another who sells medicinal things," said Ms Thompson adding, "and of course there are others who sell plants and there usually are lots of cakes and pastries which are very popular. In fact you can come down and pick up your lunch or dinner at the City Market. We also allow charity groups to set up there as well. It is nice to see people growing and making things to sell – especially in these (hard economic) times. Actually it is a bit like years gone by – the City Market is taking us back to our roots and it allows people to become creative and be rewarded for that as well."
And while Ms. Thompson said that having the market in Bull's Head Parking Lot was perhaps not the most ideal location, she added: "Having said that, it is sheltered so it doesn't matter what the weather is like – rain, blow or shine – and of course it is very convenient and there is lots of parking."
There is a question about one item which always proves popular every year at the City Market – Bermuda honey.
Beekeepers, not in Bermuda but in many parts of the world, have seen bees dying in record numbers and that also affects other produce as well.
"I don't know if there will be much honey (for sale) – we will just have to wait and see," said Ms Thompson.
The one requirement for anyone selling items at the City Market is that those items must be made or grown in Bermuda.
Licences are only demanded for vendors selling food – a certificate from the Health Department will suffice.
Meanwhile, the East End of the Island is seeing a major revival with the opening of the Olde Towne Market this past Sunday.
A variety of vendors set up shop along Water Street giving the town a much needed buzz with a good turnout of shoppers.
From fisherman Nick New selling fresh caught fish and Bermuda lobsters from the back of his boat to Bermuda-inspired Gombey dolls and masks by mother and daughter team Barbra Fubler and Natasha Smith on display, the market's first day provided plenty of options no matter what your reason for attending.
The market came out of a need for bringing more attention to the Town of St. George's, which was once our capital city and major trading spot, explained Michelle Wales owner of Conscious Vibes Fair Trade and one of the Olde Towne Market's committee members.
"A market is needed in St. George's as a way to attract locals and residents back into the town," said Mrs. Wales. " We wanted to do something positive that would help businesses whilst also encouraging people to see St. George's in a more positive light again. Based on the feedback from our first market event, we went some way towards this. Of course, we recognise that there is still much more to do to get this to become a really high calibre market. We are at the embryonic stages, but we've made a good start."
Mrs. Wales cited markets such as Greenwich Market in London as a similar concept with the market set in one of London's oldest and most historic parts of town. Greenwich Market is known for it's buzzy appeal with a large variety of stalls as well as shops that garner significant business from the traffic the market creates.
St. George's already has a variety of stores that have become a firm favourite for both Bermudians and visitors, but Mrs. Wales hopes to encourage a variety of businesses from law firms to small Government offices to cater to both residents and tourists. She also hopes that the market will encourage the creative spirit that many Bermudians possess.
"It is hard to say what impact markets have on Bermuda, but we can always hope that it can be used as a 'training ground' for would-be entrepreneurs and as an outlet for the many creative people on the Island to share their skills and talents," said Mrs. Wales.
Over the coming weeks, as the Island gears up for holiday shopping, Mrs. Wales expects a lot more great vendors to come on-board, with several slated to sign up for specific times of the year, like Christmas, to showcase seasonal items.
"We anticipate, judging from what we know of St. George's and what we have seen in the market thus far, that this would be a super place to shop."
Going forward, what more people would like to see of the market, according to an online survey done by the Olde Towne Market committee, include more fresh produce, Bermudian food, multicultural food, clothing, shoes and household items.
"We believe that people want to see a farmer's style market, fisherman selling freshly caught fish, as Nick New did on the first day — along with the live lobsters he had. We can only provide these if vendors come forward," said Mrs. Wales.
The market is set to run every Sunday until December 19 and will start back up again in the new year. It is also looking for licensed farmers, fisherman and gardeners as well as licensed bakers and food vendors. Vendors selling imported dry goods must have a pedlar's license. Those selling handmade crafts or paintings do not need a license and are also welcome.
"We are looking for licensed farmers, fisherman and gardners in particular as well as licensed bakers and food vendors. People have expressed to us over and over again that they would support the market if we can draw these types of vendors to St. George's, therefore we really appeal to this section of the community to support the town by coming out and providing what people really want," said Mrs. Wales.
The Olde Towne Market, which is supported by the Economic Empowerment Zone Agency (EEZA), takes place in Kings Square, Market Wharf and along Water Street from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Sunday until December 19.
For more information, contact the Olde Towne Market at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone at 296-6185
