This weekend’s fifth annual All Decked Out Crafters’ Market is kicking off its two-day run with a cocktail party on Friday.
“I thought it would be a bit of fun,” said organizer Megan Olsen. “Gives a different feel to the event.”
Held at the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre, the event (for those 19 years of age and older) will be an evening of mingling and browsing the wares of 40 or so vendors. There will also be live music provided by Ira Pelletier from Nanaimo and grab bags filled with coupons and samples from vendors for the first 100 shoppers through the door.
As for the cocktail side of things, each ticket includes a signature drink. This year’s cocktail is cranberry juice and Coven Vodka, which is made at Nanaimo’s Arbutus Distillery. “Kind of goes with the event,” said Olsen about the craft vodka.
There will also be a cash bar at the crafters’ market that evening, but no food will be served. Olsen suggested that shoppers stop in at Tigh-Na-Mara’s Cedars Restaurant & Lounge for a bite before, during or after the event. About 400 people went to last year’s cocktail event and this year Olsen is hoping for a hundred more. Tickets for Friday are $10 each and are on sale now at ReVived Vintage in Qualicum on Beach Ave, Soak Essentials Marketplace in Parksville on Craig Street, Tigh-Na-Mara Pines Gift Shop and online at alldeckedoutmarket.com. The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre will receive $2 from every ticket sold.
The second day of the All Decked Out Crafters’ Market will be an all-ages craft market at the same location on Saturday. This will be a full day of shopping, with general admission costing $4 at the door. Tickets for Friday’s event are valid for entry on Saturday as well.
This is the market’s second year at Tigh-Na-Mara. “It was a good thing,” Olsen said of the move. “The resort provides a beautiful warm setting for our market.”
All Decked Out will be held Friday, Nov. 14 from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call Olsen at 250-937-0999 or e-mail alldeckedoutmarket@gmail.com.
