Entrance to the outdoor market
The Merry Market at 100 Kellogg has successfully made it through its first week. This is the first year the market is taking place. Angela Rivard is the events coordinator at 100 Kellogg, she explained that the event was put together to support local businesses.
“I think during this pandemic, we’ve seen a lot of small businesses close. So the ones that are still open, we want to make sure that we get behind them and continue to support them.”
As is the case with most events COVID protocols are in place at the market. Those who visit are required to wear masks indoors and are encouraged to wear them while outdoors as well. Entrance to the indoor market is monitored and only a certain amount of people are allowed in at a time. A lineup to get in is set up outside with markers in place to ensure the proper distance is kept.
“With the ever-changing world of COVID, we have engaged the health unit quite a bit. So we do talk to them a lot. We want to make sure that we stay within the confines of COVID protocols. That’s been the biggest challenge. But so far, we’re doing all right.”
The event offers access to 40 local vendors 25 inside and 15 outside. Vendors taking part in the market will vary from week to week with some staying for all three weeks. Skincare company Purdy Natural is one of those businesses.
“One of the organizers is also a good friend of mine and she reached out to the whole pretty much London local community to get involved,” said the companies owner Rokhsana Purdy.
The Purdy Natural booth is located in the outdoor part of the market where Christmas decorations and lights have been set up. Purdy was very pleased with the amount of effort that was put into the market.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous. They’ve put a lot of work into everything that they’ve done is a beautiful light show. It was a really nice pace of people outside you can have a drink, you can have food, there’s food trucks, hot beverages, and yeah, there’s lots to do,” she said.
Purdy Natural normally has its own outdoor market outside of their store. They also host a community market every year. With the pandemic ongoing neither was possible. Being able to take part in the Merry Market is something Purdy is grateful for.
“This is a really great opportunity to see everybody. It’s safe outside, the indoor is safe and everything’s spread out. It’s great to see all of our friends and it’s amazing to see the community come out and support small businesses because they need it more than ever at this time.”
The Merry Market will run from Thursday to Sunday for the next two weeks. Hours of operation vary per day but are listed below.
Thursday/Friday: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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