By LEAH WEATHERSBY

After several months of uncertainty, it now appears that the Fremont Sunday Market will remain open in Fremont this winter.

This past summer, Jon Hegeman, operator of the Fremont Sunday Market, learned that his application to once again hold the market in the Burke Building parking garage had been declined, despite having held the popular event last year and two previous winters. The garage is located on N. 34th Street between Phinney and Evanston avenues.

Despite the rejection notice, Hegeman said he continued to lobby Quadrant KMS Management Services, the company that runs the Burke Building, to reconsider its decision.

Donna Canterna, a property manager with Quadrant KMS, said before she could let the market return she had to make sure it wouldn't inconvenience the Burke Building's office tenants.

"It was ... a matter of finding out more of the details (about the Sunday Market) before we gave approval and making sure it was OK with the tenants," Canterna said. "We're trying to do our part for Fremont and the Sunday Market." She then added, "From what I've seen, when (Hegeman) gives his word he lives up to it, and that's what I'm counting on."

As it turns out, the Burke Building's tenants were supportive of the Sunday Market. On Oct. 12, Hegeman was informed that he and his band of vendors would be able to return to the site. The market is expected to open in the Burke Building parking garage on Nov. 4.

"I was optimistic to begin with," said Hegeman. But he added that market participants are feeling a little more secure now.

Several Fremont area merchants also expressed relief that the Sunday Market will remain in their neighborhood this winter. Craig Nixon, owner of Dig-It garden store, and Christopher Webb, owner of Real Soda beverage company, both took around petitions to fellow Fremont business owners to voice support for the market's continued presence in the neighborhood. Nixon estimated that they got about 40 signatures total.

Nixon said that some business owners not only feel that the Sunday Market's presence brings in customers, but they fear the market could someday leave Fremont for good.

"I've gone to the Ballard (Sunday Market) to check it out and its packed," Nixon said, referring to the weekly event that Hegeman started in Ballard this past July, which offers both fresh produce as well as arts and crafts goods.

The Ballard Sunday Market has been located the US Bank parking lot at the corner of 22nd Avenue NW and NW 56th Street, but will move on Nov. 4 one block north to the old Safeway building on 22nd Avenue NW and 57th Street.

Hegeman said had he not been able to secure a Fremont site for the Fremont Sunday Market, he would have had to turn away 60 to 70 vendors. There simply isn't enough space for all of them at the winter site for the Ballard Sunday Market, he said.

Meanwhile, Hegeman is already looking ahead towards next summer. He is working with the City for permission to hold the Fremont Sunday Market on N 34th Street when the weather turns warm. (