Protesters supporting Wild Flight Farm were unable to convince the Revelstoke Farm and Craft Market board to include the long-time vendor at this summer’s market.
More than 60 people gathered inside the Revelstoke Community Centre on Saturday morning to show support for Wild Flight Farm during the board’s annual general meeting, which was closed to the public.
Protest co-organizer Hailey Ross said she wasn’t surprised at the large turnout. She said the issues go beyond Wild Flight being kicked out of the market.
“There are a whole bunch of people including me who have been trying to communicate with the board, for years to be honest. We’ve been not listened to. This was the last straw,” said Ross.
A counter protest in support of the board’s decision was held at the same time. However numbers were much smaller with only a handful of people taking part.
Rose Gentles organized the counter protest. She said she supported Wild Flight Farm’s membership not being renewed because the Mara-based vendor had been wholesaling produce that is now available through local farms.
“They seem to think that they have been wronged in some way. But if you can’t fill out an application properly and can’t commit to the rules of the farmers’ market, especially when there’s other vendors available, then there’s really no need for them at the market anymore,” said Gentles.
Revelstoke Farm and Craft Market directors Bob Lahue and Dan Meakes said it had been a long day for everyone.
“We’re tired,” said Meakes, after emerging from the nearly four-hour AGM.
LaHue said a motion was made during the meeting to uphold the board’s decision to not accept Wild Flight Farms application.
“The motion was carried with a majority vote. It is no longer a board-only decision. It was upheld by the membership in a democratic process to not accept Wild Flight Farm’s application,” said Lahue.
Lahue reiterated the board’s willingness to assist Wild Flight Farm owner’s Hermann and Louis Bruns to set up an alternative market.
“We’re willing to support Hermann in his efforts to set up another market,” said LaHue.
However, it seems this isn’t enough for many individuals, including some market vendors. An informal meeting was held after the AGM to discuss some of the concerns held by some market vendors.
Protest organizers are continuing their efforts and have created a Facebook group called Citizens in support of a fair Revelstoke Farm and Craft Market.
“Updates from today’s protest will be posted there,” co-organizer Christina Hartley wrote in a Facebook post. “As well as any future plans for public action to ensure that just and fair governance prevails in the Revelstoke Farm and Craft Market. Thank you to everyone who participated. I have a feeling there is more work to do.”
For background on this story please listen to the Mountaineer’s recent podcast discussing the controversy.
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