Grogono's vision waiting at yellow light
Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (May 30/01) - The Yellowknife city market may be reborn at the old Bartam Trailer Park site this weekend if the city gives the green light, said the market's main organizer.
Matthew Grogono, the one man lobby behind the city market, said he's sitting at the yellow light right now.
"We're still waiting for the City to dot some i's and cross some t's," said Grogono.
Max Hall, senior administrative officer with the city, said they were working with Grogono to get the market going as soon as possible.
"We still need him to bring some information," said Hall.
Hall said Grogono still needs liability insurance and a parking plan.
"As he does (submit information) then we'll approve (the market)," said Hall.
Grogono said the city has the critical mass of interested people needed to maker the market work.
Last weekend Grogono distributed 100 surveys to gauge support. He received 26 back and all of them supported the market.
Grogono said the results from his survey reinforced what he's believed all along.
"It confirms what I've felt from talking to politicians," he said.
Grogono still needs to access liability insurance and he's received one quote. He needs to raise $1,000 to foot the bill. Grogono plans to get most of it through a bottle drive.
"I feel a sense of calm developing," said Grogono who has been pushing the market idea for a few months now.
He said anyone is free to show up and sell things at the market this weekend. Set up begins at 7 a.m., the market opens at 9 a.m. and runs until noon.
Grogono said the market will have a range fine arts and flea market type of items up for sale as well as live music on Saturday.
"I'm so close to it, but we still need the green light from the city," said Grogono.
