The Downtown Acton BIA's Farmers Market is now called the Acton Outdoor Market and it has a new home at Prospect Park. The Thursday afternoon event will now be located inside the park gates at 30 Park Ave in Acton beginning on June 1, 4-7 pm.
Matt Galliford, coordinator of the Downtown Acton BIA. explained that name change was necessary to remove the affiliation with Farmers Market Ontario which charged a fee for the designation and required 51% of the vendors to be farm vendors. “It did limit us with the kind of vendors we had to have, and we had a big problem trying to find farm vendors,” he said.
“But the big change is moving the market from Willow Street to Prospect Park, just inside the entrance right across from the children's playground. Vendors will be able to drive right in and unload and people will be able to access the market by the walking path that goes around the park,” said Galliford.
During the last decade the Acton Market has moved several times—from Willow Street South to the Bethel Church parking lot and most recently, back to Willow Street North. Galliford cites several reasons why relocating to Prospect Park is a good thing. “Willow Street was good in the past except on hot blazing sunny days when it was really hot. There was also a concern from local residents trying to get into their driveways. Also the mental health clinic operates until 7:00 pm was some issue protecting patients' privacy and confidentiality,” he said.
Galliford has heard a few objections from downtown merchants about moving the event out of the downtown area, “But for the most part, everyone is excited,” he said.
However, Peter McCracken, owner of Black Rose Guitar House on Mill Street East is less than excited. “I can't see how the move to Prospect Park is going to help downtown businesses,” he said. “During one of the first Farmers Markets, I had a man stop in who has since bought $8,000 worth of guitars from me. The only reason he found my store was because he was going to the downtown market. That's not going to happen now,” he said.
Nonetheless, the BIA manager is enthusiastic about the change, but he thinks drawing traffic towards the event will be the big challenge. Galliford has lined up signage that will be posted on adjacent streets. He's also been saturating social media with notices and posts.
“Our vendor list is so big anyway,” added Galliford citing from a long list that is heavy with breweries.. “Our registered vendors so far include: Acton Community Garden (Promotional Booth), Brothers Brewing Company, Country Crops Farm, Eaton Coffee Co., Fixed Gear Brewery, Full Moon Farm & Apothecary, HEX 1847 Cider Inc., Ice Cream 4U Ice Cream Truck (every week), Kare Granola, Life Vine Creations Cut Flowers, Mandi's Breads, various music buskers, Pilliteri Estates Winery Inc, Royal City Brewing Company, Sleeman Brewery, Wellington Brewery, The Village Sweet Shop, Acton Optical, Beef Bloc and Missyli's Meats & Sweets.”
The Downtown Acton BIA Outdoor Market runs weekly on Thursdays from 4-7 pm, beginning on June 1 and wrapping up on Oct. 5. “I feel that moving to the park from Willow Street will give the Market a greater sense of nature and a more vibrant sense of community,” said Galliford. “We are bringing the Market to the people and looking to attract a greater number of people to the Market.”
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