For its third year, Thursday Night Markets returns to its original location at the Willingdon Beach gravel lot, with a few new happenings planned for the weekly public event.
According to a City of Powell River media release, the market was created in 2021 to support local vendors and home businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
So far, more than 40 vendors have signed up to be a part of the market, ranging from local food to handmade arts, as well as farmers and bakers.
“These markets are free for vendors to register, so every dollar spent goes directly into the pockets of the entrepreneurs,” said Alexandra Young, the city’s community development officer.
Although last year’s market was successful with an equally beautiful view for sunsets at the Westview pier, being back at Willingdon Beach means being closer to the sandy shoreline and Rotary pavilion, as well as local restaurants and shops along Marine and Willingdon avenues.
“This year we are thrilled that our parks, recreation and culture department will move the dates for Music in the Park to coincide with three of our markets, on July 27, August 10 and 31, at the Rotary pavilion,” said Young.
The music lineup has not been announced yet, but last summer Blues Busters and Malaspina Ensemble were featured music-makers.
“It [the night market] has been a great place to pop-up my small business, showcase and sell my locally handmade products,” stated local artisan Suzi Wiebe.
The event supports the local economy and those who are working artists and/or run small businesses in the qathet community.
The markets have been responsible for putting over $150,000 back into the local economy, according to the media release. The market begins Thursday, June 29, and runs until August 31 from 6 to 9 pm (minus the week when logger sports take place, Friday, July 14 to 16).
