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Trail market set to go next week

Trail Market on the Esplanade starts June 5 and runs every other Friday, 10am - 2pm.

Local vendors who make it, bake it, or grow it, will line the downtown Trail riverfront and Jubilee Park June 5 to launch this summer's outdoor shopping extravaganza, now in its fourth year.

Trail Market on the Esplanade runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Friday until Oct. 9 as well as two evening markets slated for July 15 and August 19.

So far, 35 merchants are signed up for the event, which is a joint venture between the city and the Trail and District Chamber of Commerce (TCOC), with the latter being responsible for promotion and administrative duties such as vendor bookings and payment processing.

Despite the recent exit of Norm Casler, TCOC's executive director (ED), the chamber is humming along business as usual and the Trail market is ready to roll says Naomi McKimmie, board president.

“Everything is as per normal other than the fact we don't have an ED at this time,” McKimmie added. “It's not going to affect anything. The market is set up by the city with assistance from the chamber. If Andrea (Andrea Jolly, Trail's communications and events coordinator) is in need of assistance with hauling around tables, help with setting up or putting out signage, then all she has to do is request it because we have people who will assist with that.”

Merchants wanting to book a table for the Trail Market on the Esplanade can do so by calling Christa Munn, the chamber's executive assistant, at 368.3144 or by email, TCOC2@netidea.com.

Last year's markets drew over 5,000 visitors to the downtown core offering a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce, baking and spices to one-of-a-kind crafts and jewelry, unique clothing and pottery.

Local musicians strummed and sang in the market centre alongside Local 480 members flipping burgers and hot dogs for charity; a food truck serving fresh smoked meat sandwiches with a side of slaw; and homemade pizza loaded with cheese and a load of other toppings.

Many of those vendors and visitors say it is one of the best markets in the area.

Coun. Lisa Pasin, the city's chamber representative, confirmed the Trail Market on the Esplanade will run as planned, with Munn, a long standing chamber employee, being integral to the event's success.

“Summer students are also hired to assist with the market itself and the chamber booth at the market,” explained Pasin, noting the city is continuing to support and publicize the markets.

“I have every confidence that the markets will continue and be an overwhelming success this season, particularly with the addition of the special event evening markets.”



Sheri Regnier

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