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There was talk for the need for double doors into the new building, for easy access; The main entrance should be a vestibule with washrooms and storage space - this would help keep out inclement weather; a walk-in cooler was anticipated. There was much discussion but in the end, many of the requests did not materialize - the floor for a cooler was put in place, but with no other storage space provided, that area was set aside for spare tables,sign boards etc. Wash rooms were provided but for some reason seem rarely used - people walk over to the Heritage Centre!There was talk of a storage shed being provided close by, but again this did not happen - other property lines being too close for any extensions.
By July 2005, a design plan had been agreed and Gardiner Engineering chosen to start work in September, but in early September 2005, the Department of Planning and Development for Colchester County had seen the project designs for the Farmers' Market, and was very concerned about the perceived lack of symmetry - the roof pitch, window placement and steel siding used to cover part of the building. It was felt it would not fit in with the other heritage buildings and might upset the Municipality after they had taken such trouble with the new, nearby Sewage Treatment plant, getting it to blend in so well with existing buildings.
In response to the worries of Planning and Development, the Project Manager said that it was thought better if the structure did not try to look a part of the original heritage buildings - 'sympathetic' yes, but not copy. There had been some suggestions that the market should be built as cheaply as possible but this was not acceptable. Horizontal cement siding was to be used in appropriate places as it was non-combustible. Cedar shingles were very expensive but were to be used where possible.
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The roof is on!21st Century. 2005
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia Canada
Credits:Creamery Square Association
16
By now it had been agreed the Farmers'Market would look after the operational costs but the Creamery Square Association see to repairs. The Market would also pay a share of snow removal and garbage dispoal - they would share a dumpster with the Heritage Centre - it would be emptied regularly. Later a second dumpster was required to take recyclable materials and a green bin for compost. The siting of these was a bit of a problem as they needed to be handy but not too intrusive..17
Winter -early 200621st Century .Feb. 2006
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia Canada
Credits:Creamery Square Association
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So the exterior of the building was completed with just the interior to do.By now there was talk and plans afoot to build a covered extension on the water side of the market, and a deck overlooking the water, with access to the Waugh River, for kayaks. There would be raised flower beds bordering the extension, and electrical outlets for musicians to perform on the deck or under the extension. People could sit at picnic tables, look at the view and be entertained - all quite delightful.
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Interior of the new Farmers' Market21st Century. 2006
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia Canada
Credits:Creamery Square Association
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The Farmers' Market did not want to have to take down their stalls and displays after work days - they thought it would put off possible vendors. However the space would be cleared for very special occasions like fund raising concerts and the village Christmas Day dinner where volunteers catered for 400 - 500 people - anyone could attend (donations only) with meal delivery to those unable to get to Creamery Square.- a great day for everyone.21
Nearly ready21st Century 2006
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia Canada
Credits:Creamery Square Association
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A kitchen was decided against, so long as there were electrical outlets,sinks and refrigerators. Lack of a kitchen was probably a mistake, as some years later it became increasingly obvious that a catering kitchen would be useful. As the site developed and became increasingly attractive, there would be opportunity for renting for receptions of various kinds - difficult without kitchen facilities. There is talk today of installing a kitchen if possible.23
Opening Day21st Century March 2006
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia Canada
Credits:Creamery Square Association
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Ever since it opened, the Farmers' Market has been a popular place to buy fresh produce, and to socialise... there is a small section with tables and chairs for eating a market cooked breakfast, drinking coffee or tea and generally chatting. The noise level escalates to the extent that it might mean something has to be done...Parking becomes an issue - the upper parking lot fills up quickly from 8am; the cars park along the road side and also in Creamery Square - where permitted, but recently 'No Parking' signs have been put in place along the Creamery Road. So it is good to arrive early! or later - 12.30 perhaps, but by then the best might have been sold, and stalls are thinking about closing and clearing up. - usually between 1 and 1.30. A new parking area has been cleared a little further along the trail, beyond the Train Station Inn - so this should help at the height of the season, but people will have to walk a short distance!
This and the following photographs were taken on Opening Day at the new Market
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Open Day - ready at last21st Century March 2006
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia Canada
Credits:Creamery Square Association
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Some years back in 2004 an idea was conceived to hold a 'Christmas at the Creamery' this would be at the Farmers' Market. and some 100 guests turned up. Since then the dinner has become an institution in this village of 700 people, bringing together many different faiths - Buddhists, Mennonites, Christians, Evangelicals, Atheists and others many of whom volunteer at the dinner as well - serving food, clearing and washing up. The numbers of people gathering there on Christmas day has now reached 500.A day or so beforehand the market is decorated and the tables laid and appropriate centrepieces placed. One section has a large tree and an area for live music. Donations of turkeys and vegetables and assorted pies, are received and volunteers get together to prepare the veggies. At one time food was prepared in the kitchen of the Fire Hall but recently has moved to the Tatamagouche Centre, with a larger catering facility. Lots of people help and it is a fun time.
December 25th is a happy social occasion. Food cooked on Christmas Day is moved across to the market. So the orignal plan has become a great celebration whereby anyone can attend - and people come from miles away. There is a delivery service to those unable to get to the market so elderly and needy are all included.
All the workers are volunteers and of assorted ages - the teenagers are happy to meet up with their friends, and help; there is a marvellous atmosphere, and a true feeling of Christmas spirit, and it is all free - although donations are happily received.
The idea of this community-wide celebration is spreading, and various other towns in Nova Scotia are sharing their Christmas celebrations within their community
The Tatamagouche Tattoo also uses Creamery Square -with various attractions during the Saturday of the performance - in July. The weather has been kind on each occasion permitting a Fly Past over the Square. and a Sea King helicopter hovering like a great dragonfly over the waters of the Waugh River. The Heritage Centre tries to do something that fits in with the theme for the year
2013 will be the fifth year for the Tattoo - provided funds are available. Again it has become a community event with a committee at work during the year but with many local volunteers working on the actual weekend as performers come from all over the Province.
The deck outside the Market has been used to present local theatre productions, and there have been live concerts and dancers on the deck. A performance was held on the new outdoor stage the day it was officially opened for use.
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The Farmers' Market looking toward the back29 September 2012
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia Canada
Credits:Creamery Square Heritage Centre
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