Last Day at the Saturday Market

Yesterday was the final market day of this year.  They keep trying different things, but it seems always to end on something of a low note.  Yesterday was the smallest turn out of vendors yet, and a fairly small turn out of buyers/visitors.  There was live music, which might have been something of a draw, but it was right in the market and it made it impossible to talk to visitors/buyers while that was going on.  Maybe better to put the players a little farther away on the grass, but by next year, when one can apply that possible improvement, no one will remember it.

The Saturday Market is a good idea, but it needs a lot more management than it gets.  One of the things I have learned in PR over the years is that almost everything depends upon a few people volunteering their time and some commitment to make something happen.  Usually, however (or at least after the first few weeks or months) the volunteer enthusiasm and commitment wane, and whatever leadership skill was available (if any) is left holding the painful remains of a good idea.

Perhaps what we could do is make better use of the pretty well run groups on the Point (e.g., Garden Club, the quilting group, The Historical Society, the Seniors, the Friends of the Library, Taxpayers, Voters, etc.) as an overarching support group for new ventures.  Get their support first for new ventures: not just 'Great idea," kind of support, but something more concrete, whether money or people to draw upon.  Otherwise, the 'Great Idea" is likely to just wither on the vine.

So, I'm not hopeful as the Market year ends; but I wasn't very hopeful that it would happen again this year, so I have to admit to a poor record as a predictor.  I do think it needs more help from the public and from the economic development people down in Whatcom/Port Authority.  Maybe even enough to fund someone with skills to manage it.

And, as a coda:  the new flooring on the main corridor of the Community Center.