It’s not exactly earth-shattering news, but the March 28 official grand opening of the Chemainus Public Market is being postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 situation.
“Unfortunately, we will not be opening on schedule,” market manager Laurie Douglas said. “It would be irresponsible to open the doors and invite what would be hundreds of people to come into the Market.”
Douglas added the only prudent course of action is to be cautious and follow the guidelines that have been articulated by health care officials.
“It’s disappointing but we have no choice and this is definitely the right thing to do at this time.”
Douglas noted a virtual grand opening will be set up on the Chemainus Public Market’s Facebook page that will feature “different contests and giveaways - people are at home anyway. It would be a way to keep people engaged and interested.”
There will be mass posts for a period of about an hour’s time to be determined.
The virtual grand opening will be on the same date, March 28, so Douglas said people can check it out then and stay on top of developments between now and then on the Facebook page and ‘Like’ it for those who haven’t done so already.
Twenty-two tables were booked for opening day in addition to the regular vendors who have already started to move in during the last few weeks.
“To stay on the list for the pending grand opening, let me know,” Douglas indicated.
She can be contacted at 250-732-1549.
Douglas pointed out people will need to know when the market opens, the parking lot in front will be reserved for patrons - just like it was when Chemainus Foods occupied the building.
Details of the opening date and the grand opening celebration will be released as soon as the situation surrounding COVID-19 is stabilized.