Sally Whibley, owner of Errington-based SmartFitt Holistic Fitness, customizes a hula hoop colour scheme to a customer's specifications. Whibley was among 20 vendors who turned out for the inaugural Thursday night Public Market at Maffeo Sutton Park. If successful the markets be held every week until the end of October.

Sally Whibley, owner of Errington-based SmartFitt Holistic Fitness, customizes a hula hoop colour scheme to a customer's specifications. Whibley was among 20 vendors who turned out for the inaugural Thursday night Public Market at Maffeo Sutton Park. If successful the markets be held every week until the end of October.

New public market opens in Nanaimo waterfront park

NANAIMO – Food and merchandise vendors, music and car shows could become weekly event at Maffeo Sutton Park.

Music, food, merchandise could help keep Maffeo Sutton Park packed with people through the summer if a new public market builds up a head of steam.

Thursday night the normally empty space at the Spirit Square was filled with 20 vendors offering everything from vintage collectables to clothing, mini donuts, soaps and hula hoops.

Live music, warm evening sun and a small car show lent a festive air to the event, organized by Dogzilla’s Waterfont Cafe owner Jay Brooks, which drew a steady flow of people strolling the waterfront on a summer night.

“We have a great showing of local and out of town vendors showing their wares and a local car club holding a mini show and shine,” Brooks said.

Brooks said if the market proves a success, he wants to host it at the park every Thursday night until the end of October.

Nanaimo News Bulletin