The Esplanade Market in Trail has gained popularity.
Already after only three market days, the Trail District and Chamber of Commerce went from hosting 15 vendors to 30. According to Maggie Stayanovich, the executive director at the Trail and District Chamber of Commerce, more than 500 people attended the market on Esplanade and the numbers continue to grow.
“Technically, we’re not officially open until 10 a.m. so vendors have time to set up. But we’ve had a really consistent group of people that come down to check things out at 9:20 (a.m.),” Stayanovich said. “It’s really cool to watch.”
The Esplanade market runs every fortnight between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the increasing number of vendors has stretched the market from the corner of Spokane Street and the Esplanade into Jubilee Park. But there is still room for vendors to register if they wish.
In addition to the regular vendors, other developments have added character to the market: a 15-year-old boy began busking on the street; a Grade 11 girl is selling handmade jewelry; and a 10-year-old girl is now selling handmade leather bookmarks and bracelets.
“Where else can you go and get a massage and a haircut, fruit and vegetables and some really unique stuff?” Stayanovich asked. “On the 29th of June, the produce fellow sold 400 pounds of cherries from the Okanagan in two hours—he didn’t even get a chance to unload his truck before people were coming over to his booth.”
The Trail and District Chamber of Commerce has nearly made their seed money back and can’t wait to continue with this popular initiative this summer.
The next market, taking place on July 27 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the Esplanade.
For more information about the market or to reserve a spot, contact Stayanovich at 250-368-3144 or e-mail tcocm@netidea.com. Visit the Facebook page for photos and updates at https://www.facebook. com/pages/Trail-Chamber-of-Commerce.