Neither of Hope’s outdoor markets will be going ahead this summer as the coronavirus pandemic continues to effect cancellations of summer events across the region.
Normally Hope has a choice of two summer markets – a Farmers Market on Fridays along 3 Avenue as well as the Hope Mountain Market held Saturdays in Memorial Park. Due to the safety concerns associated with COVID-19 and the lack of tour bus traffic decisions were made to cancel both of these events this summer.
Councillor Victor Smith confirmed the markets wouldn’t be going ahead due to a myriad of factors. One key consideration was the safety concern expressed by vendors, many of whom are seniors.
The other, he added, is the fact that tour bus traffic stopping in Hope provides a substantial amount of business to the markets. Due to the essential worldwide shutdown of international tourism, these busses will not be supplying the visitors. “For safety sake and concern that we wouldn’t get the numbers, we’re waiting until next year,” Smith said.
Next year, however, Smith said there is preparation ongoing to put up signs along Highway 1 informing drivers of the Friday farmers market, which will run from May long weekend to the September long weekend.
Read more:
B.C. farmers markets restricted to food sales only due to COVID-19
BC Farmers Markets move to online platform amid COVID-19 concerns
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