The Potential for Central Park as an Urban Market is Huge
Thanks to the people at United Church, Welcome Place and the Central Park Neighbourhood Association, this Park has been transformed from a drug dealer's haven and a drunk hotel to a place where families can gather and commiserate safely again.
Although the market had a shaky start off, I feel it is better this year and if the organizers can get the Farmer's who sell at the St. Norbert Market and other small farmers around the Winnipeg Area to make Central Park one of their outlets, there will be more activity going on there. We Winnipeggers love our fresh foods in the summer because we have to eat frozen stuff most of the winter or stale food that travels thousands of miles to get to us. We need easier access to farmer's markets. Not everyone can drive to St. Norbert.
Last Thursday while walking home, I saw a farmers market set up by River and Osborne in front of the Subway. That was a surprise to be. One of the farmers said they could not use the Exchange District this year because of renovations going on there. Anyway, I think they have relocated a block away from the the Exchange venue.
Last Saturday I attended the AIDS Awareness fair at the Central Park with music, cultural performances, information booths and hot dogs stands. It was well organized and well attended. Good for those who organized the event. I understand it is a loose group of interested individuals with the support of organizations that cater to AIDS.
I know lots of people still see Central Park as a scarey place. If you are one of those people, it means you have not checked it out later, why not go down there any Friday evening or Saturday morning and support our local business people who are ordinary men and women trying to make a living, I must say mostly newcomers of African ancestry. Check it out man.