Moresby Market (Sandspit Farmers Market)

The Moresby Market is a grassroots effort to bring islanders as well as visitors together with local farmers, crafters and artists. Moresby Market is completely volunteer-run and driven. To date it has approximately eight vendors, with an average of 4-6 vendors on a given Sunday afternoon selling everything from fresh, locally-grown produce to delectable baking to artwork and hand-crafted items and gifts.

Amber Faktor is one of those vendors, and she's also the coordinator of the market. She got involved when the need arose for a new coordinator. Having had prior experience in other places with local markets and food initiatives, Amber thought the position would be a good fit for her. Amber enjoys the market atmosphere and the camaraderie and community spirit that it generates. "It's a fun, social atmosphere, and there is a good group of regular patrons who come and support whoever is selling, stay and mingle, drink coffee, bring their families. It's a great vibe when it all comes together!" she says.

Like the market's other regular vendors, Amber is proud of this community effort on the parts of both the vendors and the people who come to the market. "It is a really positive part of our community and I think that awareness and support of the market is slowly continuing to grow. I think that supporting local markets is incredibly important, especially in small towns," Amber states. "Not only do markets provide an opportunity for local commerce, creativity and increasing local social capital, they are also a hub for bringing residents and visitors together in a positive social atmosphere based on the mutually rewarding exchange of goods, conversation and ideas. These contribute both directly and indirectly to the health and vibrancy of the community. "