Yacht Haven Grande facility manager announced the return of the monthly farmer’s market beginning in April which will feature open pit barbecues, handmade crafts and jewelry, as well as locally made soaps, scrubs, and candles.
Shayla Cruz, the Yacht Haven Grande facility manager and event coordinator, has been working tirelessly to reintroduce the farmer’s market to the community. Prior to the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Yacht Haven Grande Farmer’s Market was a well-attended event by both local farmers and consumers. This market offered a monthly opportunity for the St. Thomas community to not only support local farmers and vendors, but to also explore new avenues for holistic health, wellness, and nourishment.
“We wanted to keep this event going after the storms had passed in 2017, but quickly realized that so many of our local farmers had lost both their farms and, in many instances, had sustained extensive damage to their homes,” said Cruz. “We knew that we would have to table the monthly farmers market until our farmers had an opportunity to rebuild and restore all the produce they had lost.”
“After a few years had passed, we began mobilizing efforts to begin the market again, and then COVID came which stymied our efforts further,” she added.
However, with the world navigating a new post-COVID reality, and society having a new perception on health and community, Cruz believes that this is the perfect time to reinstall the Yacht Haven Grande farmer’s market. “I am very happy that we are bringing this event back. It allows our local farmers the opportunity to engage with our community at a venue that offers a wider accessibility for people who live across the island, and it encourages our local community to support the farmers that keep our agriculture industry alive and moving forward,” she expressed.
“We believe that this farmer’s market is going to be one of our most successful because we are close to almost 100 percent tenant occupancy on property, which will increase foot traffic through the plaza. Along with the farmer’s market, we will have restaurants offering brunch and retail stores open for shopping. Patrons of our farmer’s market can expect to experience a revamped version of what we had in the past,” said Cruz.
The Yacht Haven Grande farmers market is scheduled for April 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will continue to be hosted on the first Sunday of every month. Anyone who has questions or who is interested in registering as a vendor for this event, can email Cruz at scruz@igymarinas.com.
