Former Langford resident Christie Schick used to struggle to get her and her family out to the area’s popular weekend markets. Her husband works on Saturdays and the family would often be doing other things on summer weekends.
Now living in Sooke, Schick decided that the West Shore could use some weekday fun, and she hopes that other residents who shared in her predicament might take advantage of a new market offering.
Shick’s idea for a Wednesday night market will come to fruition this week when The Q Centre Market (5 to 8 p.m., West Shore Parks and Recreation lower bowl) debuts.
The new market will run weekly through to the end of the September and feature live music, children’s entertainment and vendors ranging from farmers to handcrafted sellers to small home businesses.
“A lot of markets don’t allow small businesses to come in and promote with things like direct sales … I really wanted to support as many families (as possible) and give them a chance to grow their business,” Schick said.
Roughly 70 vendors have signed up, with about 50 due to set up shop on a weekly basis.
There will also be a patio next to the Kinsmen Fieldhouse as Schick hopes to make the market a place to hang out and enjoy those warm summer evenings.
“I think (this week) will be pretty hyped up with the excitement of a new market and hopefully that will continue on,” Schick said.
joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com
Twitter: @joelgazette
