Market Square a world all its own

BY JANET GIBSON

After hibernating for seven months, Market Square opened on Saturday and, despite the dull weather, diehard fans beat a path to its door.

"I've been coming to Market Square for years," said Kate Burns, who recently returned to the city from Edmonton, where she had to make do with a market that paled by comparison. "Here I can sit down and socialize. They have great coffee."

The chair Burns sat on is new this year along with the coffee tables and curtains, said Market Square Officer Rob Stevenson.

The indoor/outdoor market features products that are handmade or homegrown, he said. The low fees and high traffic appeal to businesses that want to stick their big toe in the water before getting wet.

One great success story is Old Rock, Stevenson said. The company started selling coffee beans on the deck three years ago. The next year, it moved indoors and added freshly brewed coffee to its line. Last year it opened a storefront on Minto Street and won a business award for best start-up.

Another business that will appeal to the palette is Northern Flavours, a distinctive collection of northern products. CJ Pies 'n' More, Creative Meats and Vinegar on the Rocks are well known to locals who love food. Some of their mouthwatering delicasies are chocolate croissants, cooked venison meatballs and cranberry salsa.

"You can pick up everything for next weekend's party," said chef Tom Reid.

Market mainstay The Fuzzy Slipper has introduced some ingenious products this year including wrist warmers, chair slippers and reversible doggie jackets.

Owner Mimi Wolski was knitting baby slippers before she went to kindergarten, she said. "I get my ideas from everywhere. Sometimes I see something on TV, sometimes I see something on somebody."

Across the hall is a completely different product line - high-end, costume jewelry.

"For women, jewelry is everything," said vendor Joanne Bedard. "It not only finishes your outfit but it can brighten up your whole day."

Bedard, who worked as a cytologist for 35 years, started selling jewelry during the winter months in Florida. People will see something they like on the red carpet, she said, then buy the design from her at a lower price.

And if your child has a Barbie or Ken doll, don't miss Janet's Doll Fashions on the deck. "I have four daughters who had Barbies," said Janet Gaudaur, a retired maintenance worker. "My son had G.I. Joe."

It's evident that Gaudaur loves to sew. Her immaculate, miniature wedding gowns, pajamas and hockey jerseys hang from recycled lampshades. "Tuxedos are one of my least fun jobs," she said.

Market Square will have a total of 35 vendors once the fruit and vegetable growers arrive. Rents range from $200 to $350 a month. New vendors pay no rent for two weeks and farmers who live within 150 miles pay no rent at all.

The market, at the corner of Elm and Elgin Streets, is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sundays.