Article content“When you have a vibrant downtown core, you have a community you want to visit, go out to lunch in, shop in, and potentially live in.” Article content Karrie Ann Redmond, from Karrie’s Hearts and Hummingbirds, welcomes customers into her shop during the official opening of the Pop Up Market in Westville July 17. Photo by Richard MacKenzieArticle contentFraser has been busy making stops at numerous Pictou County events the last few weeks and said he is glad to see so much activity in the area. Article content“There are tons going on this summer and it’s exciting,” he said. “It just feels like there are a lot of people out enjoying the county; whether it’s days at the beach, or coming to an event like the Canada Day Parade that was here in Westville. Article content“The place is buzzing and it’s really good to see people coming out to all these events and enjoying the summer here at home.” Article contentGRATEFUL VENDORS Article contentBritt Spears, from Bronc and Burn Western Ware, said she “loves” her set-up at the Pop Up Market and appreciates the opportunity. Article content“And it’s starting to get busy, so it is working out well,” she said, adding she opened on July 1. Article contentArticle contentIn talking about what she offers, Spears said she started the wood-burning art back in 2020 and around Christmas of last year, added jewelry to her product lines. Article content“I try to be open Monday to Friday until about 4 p.m., sometimes a little later,” she said as daughter Lillian helped her make cotton-candy, another offering at Bronc and Burn. “We’re going to see about opening some evenings too.” Article content Alyssa Biggers has opened Relish Handcrafts at the Westville Pop Up Market. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /The NewsArticle contentKarrie Ann Redmond from Karrie’s Hearts and Hummingbirds said it has been a bit of a twisty road to the Pop Up Market, but she too is pleased to have the space. Article contentRedmond talked about starting her business as a ‘mini-venture’ while taking a business program at the Nova Scotia Community College, where she graduated with honours. Article content“The four days I was there (doing the mini-venture), it was very profitable, so I kept with it,” she said. “I had a store in Stellarton but had to shut it down. I almost made it a year, but the overheads were too high, and it was a slow time. Article contentArticle content“I reflected and redirected it,” she added. “I got into Farmers’ Markets. I do two Farmers’ Markets, and then I got into here. It’s good, I’m busy, but I’m making it work.” Article contentAlong with her own products, Redmond has a few shelves set up where she sells other people’s products. Article content“I’m giving them shelves, so people know who is around doing what,” she said. “This is amazing. I can’t thank them enough for this opportunity.” Article contentWith her busy Farmers’ Market schedule, Redmond said her time at the Pop Up Market will be through the week. Article content“I’m committed to Markets for weekends, and Monday is my day off. So right now, it’s Tuesdays 1 to 7 p.m. – I’m trying the early evening to see how that goes – and Wednesday to Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.”Article content
Westvilles Pop Up Market open for business
