Manitouwadge Downtown Market
MBA Innaugural Open Air Market
by Karina Hunter
MANITOUWADGE, ON – The Manitouwadge Business Association held their inaugural Downtown Open Air Market today, in spite of humid weather, the rain held off and residents took advantage of the opportunity to access, in the parking lot of the Hallmarket Square, businesses which are usually home-based.
The MBA was disappointed to have a last minute cancellation by concessions owners from near by Marathon but visitors of the Market seemed unaffected, glad to shop the open-air experience which is a first for Manitouwadge.
All of the vendors in attendance expressed they felt the experience had been very worthwhile, taking the opportunity to book their tables in advance for the 2nd market which is scheduled for August 14th. “I met new customers and am looking forward to offering new classes in the fall” said Sue Partridge, local quilter and small business owner who offers private quilting classes in addition to her public courses offered in collaboration with the township.
There are discussions underway in regards to reducing the operating hours of the August Market from 10am – 4pm which was the originally promoted time to something which would end earlier. Today’s market was closed by 3pm as the vendors beleived traffic had slowed down after 14:30 (2:30pm) and were concerned, though covered by tents, that it might begin to rain.
