Early Christmas shoppers flooded Agricola Street on Sunday for the annual Agricola Street Holiday Market. Hundreds of people filled the busy north end street, as a section was closed to cars and traffic, making room for the estimated 8,000 people who turned out for the event. “Today, as you can see, there’s a lot of people out,” said Tracy Jackson, executive director of the North End Business Association (NEBA). “It’s our 12th year doing it, and it’s an amazing community event. We love seeing folks come out.” Beyond the festive atmosphere, the market provided an opportunity for makers and artisans to display and sell their goods on the street while several businesses along the route opened their doors with pop-up booths and store specials. Jackson said it’s a chance for shoppers to find something a little different from what they’d typically find in a big-box store or online. “The stuff here is made by artisans. They’re making it with their hands. They’re making it with their love, and when you support a local maker, when you support a local business, you help contribute to your local economy,” said Jackson. The holiday market is one of two major street closure events that the NEBA hosts along Agricola Street each year. A larger open-street event is also held in September. Jackson says the biggest draw is the community coming together while supporting local. “It’s about people coming together,” said Jackson. “Neighbours meeting neighbours.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
