Judy Smith
In the heat of July, some people can think about getting all their shopping done well before Christmas. Although I admire such people, I can’t seem to get excited until December 23, when I go dashing about trying to find something to buy from depleted stores and markets.
For those of you who are smarter than me, fortunately there is a plethora of venues in this area at which to purchase unique, made-in-the-Kootenays gifts and greeting cards for many people on your shopping list.
The Kootenay Gallery of Arts is open all year and a good place to buy that unique gift for someone. Their jewelry collection is one that often draws me there in search of something different for myself or others. The gift shop also has a large collection of hand-made greeting cards from the area, artisan gifts and locally made body care products.
On Saturdays from 9-1 the Castlegar Craft and Farmer’s Market at the Railway Museum has booths selling hand-made local products including a selection of preserves. I heard a rumour that free ice cream cones are available for everyone who attends. The Railway Museum itself also sells items that are locally made as well as a substantial collection of books about local history.
The Robson Flea Market is open on Sundays from 9 to 2 and has a selection of crafts, as does the gift shop at the Doukhobor Village Museum gift shop, which also sells CDs of Russian music.
Nelson enjoys two large markets during the summer: one is every Saturday at Cottonwood Community Market, and the other is on Wednesdays on Baker Street. Both are open from 9:30 to 3 and have many booths selling home-made products.
The Trail Market on the Esplanade is held every second Friday during the summer. The next market will be this Friday July 3rd from 9 to 2. There will not be a market on July 17. Instead there will be a night market from 4 to 8 pm on Wednesday, July 15. I have found that the products available in Trail are different from the ones in Castlegar or Nelson, and it is especially pleasant to stroll along the riverbank.
If you would like to drive further afield, the Rossland Mountain Market is on Thursdays from 3 to 6 pm and the Winlaw Farmer’s Market is on Sundays from 10 to 2 pm.
Regardless of whether or not you do your Christmas shopping early by buying a unique gift for that special person in your life (maybe that special person is yourself!) spending a few hours at a farmer’s market is an enjoyable experience. Not only can you buy local produce, but you can admire the hand-made goods, chat with the people who have made them, and support their craft. Often local musicians provide entertainment while you saunter around, visit with friends and neighbours, and munch on goodies or sip a cold drink.
What better way to spend a warm summer day?
