It’s time to shop until you drop.
The Chemainus Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual Giant Street Market this Saturday (July 7) with more deals, meals and appeal than you can shake a stick at.
“We’ve got more vendors than we’ve ever had before,” said co-ordinator Jeanne Ross. “As far as I can tell, it’s [because of] word of mouth amongst the vendors and people who have been.”
From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Willow Street will be lined with 148 stalls displaying the products of more than 120 vendors from Victoria Street to Laurel Street.
“You’ll find unique stuff, and you’ll also find really good bargains,” Ross said. “A lot of the people that come are doing the flea market thing; they want to clean out their stuff and they see this as an opportunity that’s way better than a garage sale.”
However, there will still be a ton of professional artists and businesspeople marketing their fine wares. Some of the Willow Street merchants will also have their own booths or have in-store specials for the day.
Some of the things you may find at the street market include dry roasted vegetables, everlasting (wooden) roses, knives, swords, native carvings, pottery and fibre hammocks. You can even check out the Urchin bags, which are designed out of recycled seatbelts.
“That sounds kind of tacky, but actually, they look really nice; it’s interesting the way she recycles them,” Ross said.
Some of the new items to hit the market this year will include fudge and shaved ice, sports memorabilia and different antique dealers. Pet treats and treat bags will be sold, but attendees are asked to leave their furry friends at home.
“It’s going to be a really good one-stop-shopping place,” Ross said. “Our rule is ‘if it’s legal, you can sell it’.”
Ross encouraged attendees to make a full day of their visit to the market. With other events like the Strawberry Tea and St. Michael’s Church and Legion Flea Market going on during the day, there will be lots to see and do in Chemainus.
“There’s a lot of stuff you can do once you’re here,” Ross said.
Proceeds from the Giant Street Market fund the Chemainus Visitor’s Centre.
“Visitor’s Centre funding is hard to come by, and it’s been gradually cut more and more,” Ross said. “Without these fundraisers, we would have to be closed in the winter.”