TRURO - A large crowd attended for the grand opening of the Truro Farmers' Market on Saturday.
Although it was a wet day, visitors were able to look over all the goods while staying dry, thanks to the new canopy that has been erected in between the new facility, which is on the corner of Young and Prince streets, and the library parking lot.
During opening ceremonies Keltie Butler, of the Farmers' Market of Nova Scotia, said the Truro market is one of the most beautiful in the province.
Truro Mayor Bill Mills stressed renovating the old fire hall and adding the sheltered outdoor area took a lot of teamwork involving different levels of government, as well as local agencies and individuals.
The market is scheduled to remain open until Dec. 22 and will be the site of Truro's Remembrance Day ceremony if it rains on that date this year.
"It's beautiful," said Hilden resident Sharon Osborne. "It's definitely going to bring in more people. I used to live in a bigger centre and the farmers' market there brought in people from all around. This will do the same for here."
Glenn Daurie grew up in Truro but now lives in England. He visited the market while back for a visit.
"There's a great atmosphere here," he said. "It's the sort of thing Truro really needs. I often visit the market when I'm back and I see quite a difference now."
Former Truro resident Jack MacNab, who now lives in Austria, also stopped by the market while back for a visit.
"The way they've developed this is really great," he said. "I find this is a great place to meet up with people I haven't seen for a while and they've made it a really comfortable spot. It's good to hear music in both sections."
Lloyd Mapplebeck, who is president of the Truro Farmers' Market and a vendor, said he believes the new addition will be a big help to the market on rain days.
"I think more people will attend then used to during bad weather because they won't get wet. I've had a lot of people come up to me and talk about it and I've heard no negative comments."
Another vendor, and a member of the construction committee, who enjoyed the shelter was Steve Sharpe.
"I'm very happy with the new canopy and building, as well as the co-operation from all levels of government," he said. "I spent 20 years outside and this is much better. I'll be selling here until it closes for the winter. This is not only a benefit for us, but for a new generation."
