Free market free-for-all
“May Day,” traditionally celebrated as an international
workers' day by unions and activists
around the world, occurs every May 1. This year
Londoners organized a “Really Really Free
Market” in Victoria Park in observance of this
important holiday. Fanshawe students have become
familiar with these markets, as they've happened in
Forwell Hall for the last two years. Many
Fanshawe students did participate in this off-campus
market.
Heavy rain made for a slow start, but once the sun came out the crowd of “gift economics enthusiasts” steadily grew to about 60 people sharing everything from books, clothing, magic, household items, music, food, and ideas. With a total of about 150 people taking part throughout the day, there were plenty of gifts to go around, nearly everyone found something they needed or wanted, and surprised passers-by thought the idea was genius.
City Lights Bookshop participated in the event giving away free used books from their store, and taking some leftover books back with them, widening the range of free literature available dramatically. Discussions were also initiated by market-goers about other ways they could undermine exchange economics in order to create a freer and more joyful world.
Sadly, some people did just use the opportunity to dump all their old unwanted belongings in the park and leave. Many of the things were useful and found new homes, but one of the most important elements of free markets is responsibility. Marketgoers should take everything they brought to the market with them as they leave in order for no mess to be left behind. Still, some participants made contingency plans ahead of time to move all discarded items at the end of the event to the local free store operated by Life Spin at 872 Dundas St., as well as other places like thrift stores.
Several committed and enthusiastic participants made sure the park was clean so that future events could grow and be embraced by Londoners as a positive way to improve lives, minimize waste and pollution, share resources with those in need, and cultivate community.
The next “Really Really Free Market” in London is planned for Saturday, June 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Victoria Park.
Heavy rain made for a slow start, but once the sun came out the crowd of “gift economics enthusiasts” steadily grew to about 60 people sharing everything from books, clothing, magic, household items, music, food, and ideas. With a total of about 150 people taking part throughout the day, there were plenty of gifts to go around, nearly everyone found something they needed or wanted, and surprised passers-by thought the idea was genius.
City Lights Bookshop participated in the event giving away free used books from their store, and taking some leftover books back with them, widening the range of free literature available dramatically. Discussions were also initiated by market-goers about other ways they could undermine exchange economics in order to create a freer and more joyful world.
Sadly, some people did just use the opportunity to dump all their old unwanted belongings in the park and leave. Many of the things were useful and found new homes, but one of the most important elements of free markets is responsibility. Marketgoers should take everything they brought to the market with them as they leave in order for no mess to be left behind. Still, some participants made contingency plans ahead of time to move all discarded items at the end of the event to the local free store operated by Life Spin at 872 Dundas St., as well as other places like thrift stores.
Several committed and enthusiastic participants made sure the park was clean so that future events could grow and be embraced by Londoners as a positive way to improve lives, minimize waste and pollution, share resources with those in need, and cultivate community.
The next “Really Really Free Market” in London is planned for Saturday, June 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Victoria Park.
