Anne-Marie Jennings
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 29/98) - As June arrives on Yellowknife's doorstep, the Yellowknife City Market is set to roll out the welcome mat.

Located across from the Igloo Inn and beside Fritz Theil park, the Yk City Market attracts a colorful variety of local artists and entrepreneurs who come together during the summer months.

Matthew Grogono, who is the co-ordinator of the market and has been involved since the market was first established five years ago, says there are many new attractions which will make a return visit to the market just as enjoyable as the first time.

"We will be offering food and coffee this year," Grogono says.

"Mama Giorgio (Cosima Meraglia) will also be making fresh bread."

Other booths already confirmed for the market include sellers of bedding plants, organic foods, angel fabric paints, and a bargain boutique.

In addition to the goods for sale, there are also plans in the works to offer space to local buskers and to work in co-operation with the Festival of the Midnight Sun.

Grogono says the most attractive feature of the market is the way in which it draws Yellowknifers together during the warmer months.

"It's an opportunity for the community to get together socially," he says.

But Grogono says that the market, which he has run on its own in recent years, is by no means a money-making venture.

"It's not a good project financially, but the people who come enjoy the comfortable relaxed atmosphere."

The Yk City Market opens for the summer tomorrow at 10 a.m.