The Sidney Street Market has been cancelled for this year, after organizers were advised to cancel or postpone summer events.
“The market is a very popular event and on a busy night you would find everybody shoulder-to-shoulder,” said Brett Mikkelsen, emergency management co-ordinator at the Town of Sidney.
“In light of the restrictions on large gatherings — and with considerable regret — we decided to be proactive and cancel the event.”
The night street market typically saw between 3,000 to 5,000 visitors every Thursday night, June through August, according to the town.
Farmers markets are considered an essential service under B.C.’s state of emergency and many are still operating. Those that are open must have physical distancing protocols and enhanced hygiene practices in place, and only food items can be sold.
With artisans and performers out of the picture, many markets are much smaller than in past years.
The Duncan Farmers Market, for example, will open Saturday with 32 vendors instead of its usual complement of close to 150. And although it is located in the same place, stalls are now three metres apart.
The Esquimalt Farmers Market has seen a similar downsizing, with 15 vendors instead of its usual 70.
“We can’t even sell soap — and authorities are encouraging us to wash our hands more,” said Katrina Dwulit, executive director and founder of the market.
“It’s been super complicated so far,” she said. “These are unprecedented times. Fortunately, the team here is very dedicated to food security — and our passion makes us persevere.”
She said the financial toll is significant for both the market and vendors. But the silver lining is that the provincial government has paid for a transition to online marketing with pre-orders for pick up.
“We have found that people sitting on the couch ordering tend to spend more,” she said.
The James Bay Community and Moss Street markets are also using online orders or stores, and Moss Street has spread its vendors over two outdoor locations.
“We’re there primarily to support our community and support local farmers who produce our food,” said James Bay market manager Carol Elliott. The market is starting off the season with 15 vendors, down from roughly 45 in a regular year.
“These farmers need our support because they don’t typically sell to the grocery chains,” she said. “It’s not a get-rich scheme — they only sell their produce at the farmers markets and restaurants, and now those are closed as well.”
