The Abbotsford Flea Market can re-open, according to Fraser Health.
The owner of the market received a troubling call from a Fraser Health employee a few weeks ago, stating that there had been complaints the market was not enforcing the vaccine mandate. Confused, but concerned about following the rules, Rod Stoner made the tough decision to close the market.
It only runs on Sundays, and it meant the market was closed for the last two Sundays of the Christmas shopping season — and the selling season.
It was a tough hit after nearly two years of COVID-19 issues, including a six-month closure back in 2020.
Fraser Health contacted Stoner earlier this week and let him know they made a mistake with their initial call, and that the market can operate without asking vendors and guests for their vaccine status. Stoner said that most of the vendors are vaccinated, and that both the number of vendors and buyer are down.
The tables are spaced out, directional signs are in place, masking is mandatory, and announcements about distancing are made regularly over the PA system.
He is thrilled to learn the market can start again in the new year. It’s not just his business, he says. He manages more than 600 vendors every year, with a steady roster of about 300 vendors. Many of them are selling new and used goods to supplement other incomes or pensions.
Fraser Health said that while they have clarified the flea market is currently allowed to operate, that could change if new mandates are brought into place.
For up-to-date information on the Abbotsford Flea Market, visit them on their Facebook page.
READ MORE: Uncertainty around COVID regulations forced closure of Abbotsford Flea Market
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