The Roots and Blues Festival was good to a number of local vendors and artisans, despite some raindrops Saturday.
“It’s great to see all the people,” said Janice Jackson of Lemon Heaven Sunday, in her eighth year as a food vendor at the festival.
“Because we go all over, we’re at music festivals all over the province. This festival has a very special vibe. It’s chill and people are happy.”
Although business wasn’t quite as busy as it has been during years with constant 30 degree temperatures, she was pleased with sales, the people and the atmosphere.
“It’s a great festival for us.”
Over at the Survival Store, new this year, items that festivalgoers might have forgotten were offered, in exchange for a donation.
Items in stock included ear plugs, dental floss, tea, lighters, soap, mints, flashlights, hats, sunscreen and more.
The items were donated by stores such as Askew’s, festival volunteer Joe Deziel explained, so purchasers were asked for a suggested donation. Festivalgoers were coming by regularly, he said, noting that more goods relating to the weather would be useful – such as little fans for hot weather and rain gear.
At the Artisan Market, the owner of Robin Borland’s Custom Sewing was enjoying her fourth festival.
“The weather was a bit tricky as our display works out of the tent,” Borland, who lives in Salmon Arm, explained. “It’s been very good; I think it’s been a success. Saturday was very good and we’re doing good today.”
Borland takes used textiles and creates handmade items such as wallets, cuffs and hobo bags. Her co-creator, Suzanne McDonald crocheted a variety of articles, including bikini tops. Borland also creates with children in mind, making novelty items kids can afford.
Next door was Debbie Tarry of Works in Glass, who lives in Scotch Creek. Her marbles, glass creations and jewelry were attracting lots of interest.
She said although sales were better when she attended three or four years ago, that’s not of prime importance to her. She likes attending in order to visit with people and liaise with other artisans.
“There’s a lot of collaboration that can go on,” Tarry explained.
The social aspect is key, including getting to interact with children. She recounted how she was talking to one child who was looking at her creations and asked her what her favourite colour was.
“Shiny,” Tarry was told.
Off-site, preliminary inquiries show the shuttle, which ran Saturday between the festival site and downtown, may not have been used to capacity, but was much appreciated by those people who did.
Lindsay Wong, Downtown Salmon Arm manager, said about 470 people attended the pancake brunch offered at the Ross Street Plaza, so that would bring a positive impact if even a small percentage went shopping downtown.
