Beehive Market, new to Berkeley, off to a good start

Last Saturday’s inaugural Beehive Market was deemed a success by its founders and many vendors, despite a few teething glitches and some weather issues. The self-described “hipster” green market also drew compliments from residents in west Berkeley who saw it as a positive addition to their community. Co-founder Julie Fry estimates about 1,000 people walked through the market which was held in the parking lot of the Berkeley Adult School. She said gusty winds — and a lack of stabilizing sand-bags — prevented them putting up signs promoting the market so they were particularly pleased with the turn-out. “We see it as a soft opening and think it went very well,” she said. Vendors — a mix of local food suppliers, designer lifestyle and green-oriented service companies — reported doing brisk business, she said. There was a significant gap in the offering, however, as two big farmers who had promised to come failed to show up. “It left a big hole but we will fill it next time. Farmers can get stressed out,” Fry said. Berkeleyside contributing writer Becca Freed went to the market and wishes she had been more hungry. “There were a bunch of food vendors with delicious-looking prepared stuff, which I want […]