Mid-June means long days and midday markets.
The Jasper Farmers’ Market is set to return for its season starting next week. Joining it will be its new cousin on the scene: the Jasper Flea Market.
Flea market organizer Rita Hindle explained that it is an offshoot of her popular and substantial yard sales that she has held in recent years. Not everyone in Jasper has a yard to sell their second-hand stuff, however, and she found herself having to turn down people who wanted to put their own stuff in her yard.
“I just could not say yes to everyone. Literally, all my neighbors came over and went, ‘Can I just bring over half a dozen things?’” she said. “When you say yes to six items, I can assure you, sometimes it’s a vanload.”
“I thought if I just [set up a] flea market, I would be able to offer another dimension to people out there shopping at the farmers’ market. In a way, it’s an extension of the offerings at the farmers’ market.”
There was only one solution that would work for everybody. Hindle, who previously organized community craft fairs and the McCready Centre garage sale, is now renting 10 to 14 tables only for $25 each to those who contact her in advance by calling her at 780-931-2204. She can also be contacted through her ad on Facebook. The first market was already half booked by Monday.
She expected that it will fill a niche for seniors who have old knickknacks and other collectibles to sell off and young families who would like another option for trading children’s clothing and other goods.
“It’s definitely something that grows,” she said.
Hindle offered a reminder that – just like the farmers’ market – it is an open-air market. As such, it is subject to the whims of the weather. The vendors that she has already spoken to feel that it still is preferable than turning into the indoor McCready Centre where space is limited.
The atmosphere is also much different.
“They want to be right next to the live musician and the food trucks and that really lovely fair light vibe you pick up,” Hindle said.
The two open air markets will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday over the course of the summer.
The Jasper Farmers’ Market will operate out of usual location on the upper and lower parking lots of the Jasper United Church. It will run until Sept. 18. The Fitzhugh reached out to organizers for details on opening vendors and attractions, but no information was received by press time.
The Jasper Flea Market will be located right next door on the grounds of the Jasper Anglican Church. It will run until Sept. 4, two weeks before the last farmers’ market.
