Outdoor Night Market Opens In Riverview
RIVERVIEW – If you’re looking to check out some live music, artisan products, fresh produce, ready-to-eat food, and beer, the new Riverfront Night Market is the place to go.
The outdoor market will be open every Wednesday from 6-9 p.m., beginning this week, at the parking lot of the Fundy Chocolate River Station at 391 Coverdale Rd. Entry is free for the public.
It’s a partnership between the Town of Riverview and Holy Whale Brewing Co., whose beer garden is located at the deck of the Chocolate River Station. The National Farmers’ Union of New Brunswick provided $6,000 for the market as part of its Farmers’ Market Fund.
“At the Riverfront Night Market, 20 percent of all vendors will be directly related to the agri-food sector, which allows us to provide fresh and locally sourced products that are accessible to all while strengthening our supply chain,” said Tahlia Ferlatte, the Town’s economic development officer, in an e-mail.
Holy Whale co-owner Jeff Grandy says after opening the beer garden, he had discussions with the Town about what else is possible in that space. When he pitched the idea of a night market, Town staff were already thinking about something similar.
“So they’re independent thoughts but kind of on the same page. Especially it was right around the time that the Fredericton night market had announced that they won’t be operating this year,” he said.
The Town also had brought on Moncton Market’s manager Courtney Donnelly to help set up the night market. She’d re-opened the Moncton market once health restrictions were loosened, and share the experience with Riverview.
“So it just sort of fell together pretty quickly, and there was interest among vendors as well,” Grandy said.
In the first night, there will be 21 vendors on-site, while another four will be added next week. There will be no more than 25 vendors each night, and the roster could change based on consumer demand, Ferlatte said.
The vendor roster includes Veena’s Kitchen, Kurt’s Sausage, Maiz + Mixta Taqueria, Bimi Japanese Cuisine, Lee + Shin Korean Foods, Sunshine Lemonade, Local by Atta, Valk Fermentation, BEEline n’ Beanz, Posh Nosh Spice Blends, Maritime Creations and Borden Design.
Holy Whale’s beer garden won’t play “a huge role,” says Grandy. But it will be “an added dimension to the market” that allows visitors to check out vendors and have a drink.
He says the beer garden has been successful since it opened in June.
“Our numbers are up from last year for sure. We’re selling more beer and more beer is moving, so we’re happy with that too,” he said.
“I know some nights there are waits and some lineups, but I just want people to know that we’re trying hard to make it better…and thank you for everybody’s patience.”
The night market will run until September 30.