We are so excited. It’s almost Arctic Market Season.
It has been sometime since our last WINTER Arctic Market in early March and so much has transpired since then. The sun & warmer weather have returned and we are excited to start planning for our SUMMER Outdoor Arctic Market.
As most of you are aware, Dr. Kandola, the Chief Public Health Officer for the Northwest Territories, recently issued a Public Health Order effective May 15th that was intended to replace and relax restrictions in regards to managing and mitigating the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
As part of Phase 1, group gatherings under 25 and outdoor farmer’s markets are permitted with appropriate approvals, risk assessments, and other health & safety measures in place.
Typically, our first OUTDOOR Summer Arctic Market is held the weekend of the Summer Solstice (June 21).
This year we plan on holding our first OUTDOOR Summer Arctic Market on Saturday, June 20th from 10 am to 2 pm.
For this season, there will be a VENUE CHANGE as renovations and construction will begin in Chief Jim Koe Park and our normal site will not be accessible during that time. Our temporary location for the 2020 SUMMER season will be in the parking lot to the rear of the Community Hall on the Gwich’in Road side of the Midnight Sun Complex where we will have several tents set up.
Although our Market layout, location, and access may look a little different this year, we are so excited to welcome back our artists, vendors, food makers, crafters, and patrons.
We appreciate the patience and flexibility of all of our vendors and patrons during this transition season and look forward to a terrific SUMMER season at the Inuvik Arctic Market. We thank you for your continued interest and support of this important community venue.
Please stay tuned to our Arctic Market Facebook Page for further updates, instructions, and notices.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact us at 867.777.8618 or by email events@inuvik.ca
See you June 20th Inuvik.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ARCTIC MARKET VENDORS & PATRONS
• As always, the Arctic Market will continue rain or shine. We encourage vendors and patrons to dress appropriately and to make proper adjustments to your displays and vendor tables to account for possible inclement weather (rain, wind, heat, bugs).
• We will be taking registrations starting June 1st on a first come, first serve basis. Pre-registration will be required as vendor space will be limited.
• We have decided to waive all vendor fees with the exception of those requiring power. There will be a $10 charge per power outlet, limit one outlet per vendor, and only 5 power outlets will be available at each Market.
• Styrafoam is not permitted, however in light of health & safety requirements for COVID-19, only single use cutlery and serving dishes, plates, & bowls are permitted. Stantons and Northmart have a selection of options including paper and compostable containers.
• Please watch for public announcements & on-site signage for parking, traffic, & loading/unloading access and designation.
• There will be a number of measures in place to ensure limited access to the site to ensure our event is following appropriate health & safety protocol and practicing adequate physical distancing. Some of these measures will include:
o Limited capacity on number of vendors per week. Pre-registration will be required and all safety protocols must be followed.
o Limited capacity on number of patrons accessing the vendor tables at a given time. We will have a monitoring & ticketing system in place
o Limited availability of access to power sites
o Adherence to requirements as indicated by the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) including proper physical spacing and adornment of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves or other items as required
o Adherence to stringent health & wellness protocols including hand-washing, hand-sanitizing, surface cleaning & sanitizing, and limiting physical contact
• All food vendors must obtain an APPROVED Temporary Food Establishment Permit from the GNWT Office of Environmental Health no later than the Thursday prior to the Saturday Arctic Market. Only APPROVED Food Vendors with proof of permit will be allowed to sell food/beverages at the Arctic Market
