A Tale of Two Cities and Their Three Farmers’ Markets

by Heather Ferguson
Farmers Market Report Blogger

Moncton Farmer’s Market Co-op – Original founding Farmer’s Market Features Vendor-Owned Facility, Saturday Morning Attraction

Here in the Greater Moncton region, we certainly live in “the best of times,” for shopping at a local Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.  

If your Saturday morning relaxation involves going to the Moncton or Dieppe farmers markets, then you have a wide range of artisans, agricultural producers, good food kiosks, and product vendors to choose from in three locations across Greater Moncton.

The two cities of Moncton and Dieppe are blessed with three wonderful Farmers Markets, each with its own distinct attractions to avid Saturday morning marketers, many of whom patronize all three markets in a bid to discover true quality and choice.

The on-going economic growth and its attendant population explosion in southern New Brunswick bodes well for the health of this form of free enterprise, which in its purest form harks back to the dawn of civilization and to the very beginning of man’s formation of social groups.

The very first Farmers Market in the Moncton area, and the one that still exists today is the Farmers Market Co-op, now located on John Street in the Headstart Building.

Eighty-five years old, it is still a thriving meeting place for vendor and customer alike to buy, sell, meet and greet, socializing in a convivial atmosphere charged with a down-home ambiance.

Kevin Rogers, Vice-President of the market and owner of the famous Philadelphia Cheese Steak booth, says “The Farmers Market Co-op is both a permanent fixture in our cityscape with a history and longevity dating back to the latest century and a modern entity always re-inventing itself. We have the seasonal ebb and flow of vendors and, always changing with the times, we’ve managed to remain a positive force in the community with a loyal clientele.”

Indeed, through many changes over the last few years, no other Farmers Market better exemplifies the city’s own motto of “Resurgo.” Nick Stam, President of the Farmers Market Co-op, reiterates these sentiments:

“We are increasing our vendor base slowly and steadily and as a not-for-profit organization, we are completely self-reliant. We exist with no sponsorship or subsidy from either the City of Moncton or the government. We are the only completely independent Market in the area, and I am pleased to say that we’re able to meet all of our expenses and have a little put away to help with expansions as we grow.”

A wonderful relationship with Headstart Moncton is of mutual benefit to market and Headstart alike as now Headstart holds a bi-weekly yard sale that attracts a huge turnout to the market and market-goers in turn help to bring in revenue at the yard sale.

Also, special promotions held locally help to bring the surrounding residents to the market, in particular The Dutch Baker’s “little brown bag” or Styrofoam tray placed in each resident’s mailbox with a coupon for a free item when brought in on market day. A thriving market with its own niche in the community, The Farmers Market Co-op has added “Fabulous Fajitas,” “The Taste of Lebanon,” “The Crepe Kiosk,” and the “Cake Box” to its roster of new vendors along with an organic apple booth and an organic vegetable table featuring new potatoes and squash.

These additions join permanent fixtures such as “The Dutch Baker,” “Watkins Products,” “Reg Beal’s Bathouses,” “Stephen Taylor Livestock” and “Jeff Dixon Books” to name but a few.

For more information on the Moncton Farmers Market Co-op and telephone contact information, click here. To reach Nick Stam, click on Nick-The-Dutch-Baker for phone and email links.  , call 383-1749 or contact Nick Stam at 576-9042. Visit the 210 John Street, Moncton Farmers Market Co-op this fall and experience the true spirit of Moncton’s original Farmers Market.

For weekly updates on what is new at the John Street Farmer's Market, check their weekly Saturday Morning Vendor's Blog updates by clicking on Moncton Farmer's Market

                                                        Marche Moncton Market Offers Vendor Variety and Display Attractions 
                                                        in Downtown Moncton's Modern, Westmorland Street Municipal Facility

The Marché Moncton Market in the heart of the city centre is comprised of a group of vendors that once belonged to the original market some years ago.

Now a separate entity in its own right, it is housed in the attractive quarters built by the City of Moncton on Westmorland Street. This market has grown to become a formidable economic force in the life of the city, attracting vendors and customers alike from throughout the region including the many smaller, outlying communities surrounding The Greater Moncton Area.

Run by a Board of Directors made up of vendors, regular meetings plot new direction and highlight up-coming events to enhance the market’s profile. Currently, the Festival Hall will open up space to 10 new vendors and to a Kiddie Korral with supervision provided for small children accompanying parents to the market. Increased promotion will include new signage, flyers, framed glass advertising boards, exposure to the Downtown Moncton Centreville Inc. (DMCI) newsletter and radio ads, and the introduction of a website.

Now an integral part of the city, the Marché Farmers Moncton has a very large and loyal customer base with regular patrons enjoying the benefits of the many long term vendors and the terrific array of products they bring to the market weekly. A distinct international flavour prevails this particular market with exotic fare mingling with local offerings.

There are samosas from Lebanon and Egypt, spring rolls from Hong Kong, baked goods from France and Germany, and tempting pastries, fresh coffee, squeezed orange juice and local produce from the many area farms, as well as an extraordinary display of crafts, handmade jewellery and artwork by some of the finest local artisans.

Downtown Moncton’s Marche Moncton Market is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the company of friends, strong friendships have been forged between vendors and customers and an easy atmosphere contributes its own charm to the market atmosphere.

For more information, click on the Marché Farmers Market, to call, or drop by and visit on Saturdays after 7:00 am till 1:00 pm, for a truly wonderful experience!

                                                                    Boldly Colourful, Beautiful and Renovated, New Facility Greets Saturday Visitors
                                                                    to the Dieppe Farmers Market- Open Saturdays and Seasonally on Sunday

The brand new Dieppe Farmers Market opened in mid- 2005 in the Dieppe City Centre area, has been a long-awaited and much publicized venue established and built with the help of some $3 million from government funding.

The Dieppe Farmers Market is comprised of factions of vendors from both the Marche Moncton  Market and the Moncton Farmer’s Market Co-operative, as well as many new additional vendors, this new market has boasted huge crowds and a high level of press exposure to date.

Striving to establish its own unique character, a frenetic pace speaks to the patronage of the dynamic growth in population due to increased residential and business projects in the Dieppe area. With great plans for the future development of the market, the administration at the Dieppe Farmers Market is keen on promotional ideas to extend hours and exposure.

According to Melanie Roy, spokesperson for the market, starting November 6 and continuing to December 18 2005, the market will open to “Exclusively Local Artists and Craftspersons” from 12 pm to 5 pm to showcase the artistic endeavours of area artists well into the Christmas season.

The sale of canvas shopping bags with the market logo and fridge magnets are great for exposure and a special website is underway. One hundred and eight vendors strong, the market retains two extra kiosks for visiting vendors and are still taking applications for their waiting list. Always intent on setting the scene for a holiday mood, Melanie Roy says,

“At the Dieppe Market we try to set the mood for each holiday by seasonal displays and decorations. We have great displays for the fall with straw bales and pumpkins for Halloween and a look forward to setting the scene for the upcoming festive season. Each vendor’s booth will also be decorated with each kiosk responsible for its own decorations. We look forward to a terrific season with an increase in kiosks featuring crafts which have great gift ideas.”

Indeed, many unusual items all lovingly created offer a welcome change from the mass produced, assembly line fare often found in large retail establishments, and at the market everything from decorated candles, lovely jewellery, excellent photographic art, handmade cards, and pure bath products share space with fine eateries, homemade wines, and products from local farmers to present a cornucopia of goods from which to choose.

For more information, click on the Dieppe Farmers Market, in order to call Melanie 382-5750, or drop by on Saturdays and enjoy the best our region has to offer – see you there!

To keep pace with the changing vendors and the offerings from various vendors, read Farmers Markets Reports weekly by Heather Ferguson as she profiles the various vendors and their wares offered for your shopping and viewing experience every week at the three Moncton-Dieppe Farmers Markets.

Click to see the Moncton Local in the know Farmer's Market Listings