The day is finally here, the (new) historic Halfmoon Bay General Store is open for business. In what has ultimately been a six-and-a-half-year journey for Peter Pearson and Kristen Annable culminated on Tuesday with the official opening. There was no big announcement, no big party, it was time to open the doors and that’s exactly what they did. Locals may be in for a shock; the new rendition of the beloved store is very different from what we knew. Starting at the accessible entrance, a welcome feature, you will immediately notice how bright and open the new space is. Featuring high ceilings and tons of natural light, from the front door you can see all the way out to the water. They have built a beautiful seating area that connects to the expansive waterfront deck and it’s easy to imagine spending warm summer days enjoying the view (likely with ice cream). The café counter and coffee bar greet you with a small but exciting menu. It was too late to try the coffee when I popped by after work, but I picked up a mini tiramisu that was dangerously good. The products on the shelves will feel familiar and their commitment to stock local goods is strongly on display. They have expanded their gifts and local wares section with beautiful ceramics, soaps, candles and more from Coastal vendors. The upstairs community space they envisioned is not in use yet but holds endless possibilities in its open layout. Art shows, small gatherings and seated dinners, there is so much potential for what can be done with this space when the time comes.
This has been a long and arduous journey for Peter and Kristen but its apparent their hard work has paid off. I can’t begin to express my gratitude and excitement for what this space means for Halfmoon Bay. While the doors are now open, this process is not complete, it will be an evolution based on resources, experience and community feedback. Please stop by the new store this week and see it for yourself.
In other Halfmoon Bay business this week. A reminder to members, the Halfmoon Bay Community Association has their annual AGM at 7pm June 24 at Coopers Green Hall. More details at halfmoon-bay.ca.
We are coming into a busy summer in Halfmoon Bay. We have the 57th Halfmoon Bay Fair happening Sunday, July 13 (a personal favorite event of mine). The HBCA is needing volunteers to help support this cherished community tradition. Please reach out to Tim Dayton of the HBCA at [email protected] if you can lend a hand.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any upcoming events to be featured or want to connect about all things happening in Halfmoon Bay. Kyla Trethewey, columnist and Halfmoon Bay Firefighter #36.
