Every Saturday, just down the road from campus, there is a market full of home cooked meals and cute trinkets, not to mention a plethora of canned goods to bring back home with you.
Not only is it a treat to peruse the goods available for sale but having a bright sunny and warm space in the winter is a welcome relief from the dark halls at UNB
The market features local businesses in Saint John selling products from all over the city as well as Rothesay and Quispamsis. What makes the Cedarcrest market different than City market, is the variety.
Marina Phillips, the manager of Cedarcrest gardens, oversees the winter market, “We started this market last year, and now we have local vendors on a waiting list to set up tables.”
While the city market uptown is great for someone looking to get groceries or a bite to eat, Cedarcrest has a lot more art and craft based items such as beard oil, honey, essential oils, home cooked food, canned goods and even children masks can be found here.
The entry into the market is only $1 with a portion of the profits being donated to the SPCA. “The amount donated to the SPCA depends on how much the market makes, last year we lost money but this year it is looking a lot more successful,” says Phillips.
The crowd varies in age, but there is something for everyone. Specifically for those from UNB Saint John there affordable and tempting food that cannot be found on campus.
It also allows for those who live on residence to see a side of Saint John that cannot be found uptown. “I saw a few vendors that sparked my interest, and I plan to go back next Saturday.” Lindsay Vautour 3rd year student, remarked after her first visit to the market.
Local businesses strike up a small town vibe at this market as well. The vendors are more than willing to talk about how they made their product as well as give samples to hungry shoppers.
The idea of holding a winter market started out with Marina contacting local vendors that she knew last year, and asking them if holding a winter market would be something they were interested in.
This year things have taken a different turn with vendors contacting her weeks to months in advance for a space at the market.
As for the logistics behind holding it in a greenhouse Marina Phillips has it down to a science. “It costs about $1000 a day to heat up the entire greenhouse, although with the climate this winter it’s proving to be a lot cheaper.”
The lower costs combined with a wait list to get into the market will prove to be a success not only for Cedarcrest but the SPCA as well.
The market will be running every Saturday from 9 am – 2 pm until March 12th. Make sure to bring cash with you as there is no atm at the market or close by. If anyone wants to become a vendor or has any questions regarding the winter market or Cedarcrest gardens, email info@cedarcrest.com.
