Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Jun 08/01) - The sun came out for the rebirth of the Yellowknife city market on Saturday.
With a musical background of banjo- and guitar-picking minstrels, around 20 people milled around five vendor stands on the old Bartam Trailer Park site. This was the first blossom of Matthew Grogono's efforts to bring the market back to the city.
"It's a very encouraging beginning," said Grogono.
He said the market had a steady stream of people passing throughout the day.
Grogono landed a one-day deal with the city for use of the site. He said he's finishing up the details on an extended contract. Grogono is planning to continue use on the site for $90 per Saturday. He's running it through his glass recycling business.
Arlene Yaceyko sold plants at the market on Saturday. She sold everything from tomatoes to pansies.
"I support what (Grogono) does," said Yaceyko.
"I will be back next Saturday,' she said.
John Poirer and M.J. Patterson walked out with a tomato plant and pansies, respectively.
"We always went to the market," said Patterson.
"We're happy it's opening," said Poirer.
Shirley Saint was also enjoying the sun, the music and the fledgling market. She said the market was an "excellent purpose for the land. It gives everyone a chance to enjoy being near the water and a playground," she said.
Grogono said he hopes things get on a roll and more vendors set up next week. He competed with the Latham Island Bazaar on Saturday. He's allowing vendors to set up for free next week.
"We haven't quite arrived," said Grogono.
"We're a long way from making a dollar," he said.
Grogono has been a one-man lobby to start a city market over the last few months. Originally he intended it to be run by a not-for-profit group.
