The executive director of a facility in St. John’s which is a weekend ritual for thousands says it’s more than just a farmer’s market.

The bells rang this morning at 9:00 to open the market on the heels of close to $400,000 in funding from the provincial government over the next three years to diversify revenue streams and build partnerships.

Some 300 businesses operate out of the Freshwater Road building. With 200,000 visitors each year, executive director Pam Anstey says the potential is enormous.

(She says they have a unique and flexible facility that can host a wide range of events from large to small – up to 700 people. They also have a rentable commercial kitchen. Anstey says the money from government will help them move even further as a hub for small business and community events.