Craig Street Market
Formally known as the Summer by the Sea Street Market, the Craig Street Market takes over the strip along Craig Street every Tuesday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“Initially this market was set up to attract people to the downtown core,” explained Kim Burden, executive director of the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce. “Since then it has grown tremendously — we have about 100 to 150 vendors depending on the night.”
Burden said he enjoys watching economic development flourish by way of the market. “Several businesses who started at the market now have their own storefront,” he said.
The Craig Street market kicks off June 17 running until August 26 each Tuesday night of the week with the exception of July 1. For more information contact the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce at 250-248-3613.
Qualicum Beach Artisan Market
The Qualicum Beach Artisans Market features “anything that has an art to it,” according to organizer Dee Aguilar.
“This market was the brainchild of my husband and I because we saw a need in the community,” she said. “I’ve spent many years at farmers markets where people mostly go to socialize and buy food — not to look at art.”
So six years ago Aguilar started the Qualicum Beach Artisan Market.
Aguilar said the market usually sees 20 to 40 exhibitions per night; additionally, it boasts a symbiotic partnership with TOSH who stays open alongside the market’s hours. The Qualicum Beach Artisans Market is hosted on Friday evenings from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. outside TOSH.
It is slated to start June 27 and continue for 10 weeks. For more information contact Dee Aguilar at deeaguilar@shaw.ca.
Party on the Drive
Party on The Drive is an annual half-day festival along Resort Drive.
“It has become huge,” said organizer Carrie Powell-Davidson, noting the event first launched just three years ago in an effort to promote the sense of community and culture nestled along resort drive. Powell-Davidson said there will be a variety of activities going on throughout the day from painting and photography to pottery and glasswork; she also promised other activities such as bouncy castles and a mechanical bull.
This year, Party on The Drive is slated for Sept. 7. For more information or to become a vendor contact Carrie Powell-Davidson at 250-954-3758 or e-mail info@resort-drive-events.ca.
Parksville Farmers’ Market
A new market deemed the Parksville Farmers’ Market may soon be coming to the Parksville Museum on Friday nights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. if everything goes as planned.
Four weeks ago vice-president of the Parksville Historical Society David Haynes pitched the idea of bringing a market to the museum — the idea, Haynes said, has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response.
“It seems to have avalanched all on its own,” he said. While Haynes noted there are still “various levels of government to go through,” he hopes to see the market open July 1. For more information contact 250-248-6966.
Errington Farmers’ Market
The Errington Farmers’ Market is one of the longest running farmers’ markets on Vancouver Island, according to a news release posted on their webpage. The 41-year-old market offers local produce, baked goods, arts and crafts in a woodsy friendly atmosphere. It is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday of the summer from May 3 to September 27. It also features live music on the outdoor community stage. The market is located at 1390 Errington Road. For more information call 250-586-0099.
Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market
While the Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market runs year round, it recently celebrated the grand opening of its summer season which will see many more vendors come out each Saturday morning from 8.30 a.m. to noon.
The market sees a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as local meats and artisan baked goods. It also includes art, food trucks and live music. For more information about the Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market contact 250-248-8005.
Orange Bridge Market
In the parking lot of Lady’s Mantle, the Orange Bridge market will start June 14 running every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until the end of August. Organizer Donna Andres said she started the market four years ago to bring a “variety market” to Parksville on Saturdays.
“It’s a fun, quaint little market,” said Andres, noting there are approximately 15 to 20 vendors who come out.
“There’s a little bit of everything,” she said. The Orange Bridge market is located at 716 East Island Highway. For more information contact Donna Andres at 250-586-3800.
Qualicum Beach Uptown Market
Running along Second Avenue the Qualicum Beach Uptown Market starts July 3 and runs every Thursday for nine weeks until August 29. The market is open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with many retailers open late to coincide with the market.
Coordinator Sherry Verdec said the market has been so successful they are trying to expand their reaches a few more blocks. “We have about 30 to 40 vendors and we’re looking for more,” said Verdec, noting the market is looking to maintain it’s “European flavour” of smaller scale, handcrafted art, crafts and food exhibitions.
The QBUM will also feature live music and entertainment every Thursday night. For more information contact Sherry Verdec at 250-757-8279.
