ST. NICHOLAS, P.E.I. - After a successful first summer, owners of the Muddy Creek Market are excited to see their artisan shop reopen.
“Last year was busier than I expected. The market was something I threw together because I was off work and was bored. But when we closed for the winter, we felt if we didn’t open in 2018, any opportunity we had would be lost,” explained Jenna Fitzgerald, one of the owners of Muddy Creek Market.
Since recovering from dislocating her knee, Fitzgerald has returned to work.
It was a very casually run business, she said.
“The rule was, if we’re home, the market is open. If we’re not, it’s closed. This year we’re going to have set hours [which we still need to establish]. Last year we also only accepted cash. But I’ve signed up with Square, so people can use cash and credit cards.” The program allows electronic forms of payment.
Five fast facts about Muddy Creek Market:
– Owner: Jenna Fitzgerald
– Facebook: facebook.com/TheMuddyCreekMarket/
– Instagram: @muddycreekmarket
– Located at 4006 Route 11, Miscouche
– Products include, photography, paintings, knitwear, local produce, trinkets, woodwork items, hockey-inspired décor, notebooks.
Blain Ford, the other owner, said the shop has a lot of potential for the future.
“There’s the essence that the shop can do more. And we thought, because tourism seems to be thriving, it would be another great summer to establish that we are here.
“We get a lot of tourist traffic on this coastal road because it will take you to the Bottle House. But other than that, there’s not much here. I think the area needs more things like this.”
The market also has double the space compared to last year.
“We’ve renovated our back room, so we’re able to get more vendors inside. We’re working with new people, which is really exciting. I think that’s what I’m looking forward to most.”
Ford says he’s looking forward to spending the summer season at home, with their son, and helping with the shop.
“I’ve worked as a farmhand for years, so this is the first real time I’ll get to be home. I’m looking forward to seeing how this summer goes.”
Fitzgerald added, “I think it’s important for areas like the Creek and other rural Island communities to have a place like this. The number of artists on the Island is incredible.”
Muddy Creek Market will open June 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
