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A Tale of Two Cities and Their Local Farmers’ Markets

by Heather Ferguson
Farmers Market Report Blogger

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 each blessed with a wonderful Farmers Market, 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 Marche Moncton Market,  at 120 Westmorland Street, Moncton. For a period of time a third market operated in Moncton, but vendors decided in November of 2006 to blend their markets together. Today many larger vendors offer booths at more than one market location in southern New Brunswick, the largest of all are the Dieppe and Moncton markets.

Sackville meets in a commercial restaurant location and Bouctouche is offers a summer seasonal market and Shediac has a pick up market on Fridays in the Shediac Mall, where you can always find Nick, the Dutch Baker's table of sweets and breads. 

Meet the two Metro Moncton Farmers Markets, each with its own distinctive flair and fun for Saturday market goers.

                                                        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 blended group of vendors that have been coming to various market locations since the the original Moncton market was renewed and re-launched some years ago.

Today's Marche Moncton Market 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 and adjoining building area are filled to the rafters with new and old vendors offering their unique offerings. Increased promotion includes 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 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 Moncton-Dieppe Farmers Markets.

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