The weather is warmer, flowers are blooming and soon, tables stacked with homemade goodies will line the Esplanade.
Norm Casler, executive director of the Trail and District Chamber of Commerce, says now that dates have been marked down on the calendar, arrangements for the Market on the Esplanade can get going.
“We can begin making plans to continue to grow, showcase our beautiful city and Esplanade and bring hundreds of extra people into the downtown core,” he said.
The market has been slated for a June 5 start date, and will run every other Friday until Oct. 9.
“This year, we have decided to add two evening markets,” he said, adding that they are currently scheduled for July 15 and August 19.
“This will become much more of an event with plenty of additional vendors, participants and things to do and see for all ages. We will also be presenting the special Saturday edition of the market in conjunction with the Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 31.”
To go with the vendors selling goods at the market, Casler wants downtown businesses to capitalize on the fun and the extra people passing by their stores.
“We continue to encourage the businesses to get involved on marketliz days with specials, sidewalk sales, hand-out flyers and coupons,” he said, adding that the chamber is always open to input.
“(Businesses can) set up a satellite store at the market. We have been working with downtown businesses and will continue to work with them throughout the summer to consider any and all opportunities that will ensure the market offers the best possible advantage for them as well.”
There are also a couple of extra incentives for business owners and locals to sign up for a table at the Market on the Esplanade, explained Casler.
“Chamber members will receive an additional 10 per cent discount (on a table),” he said, adding that vendors who sign up for 10 markets will get one for free.
“We feel that there is a fine balance between too may vendors and just the right number of vendors. We averaged close to 50 vendors per market last year. We also strive to make sure we have a good balance of different types of vendors.”
There are vendors are already signing up to get in on the market, says Casler, adding that who wants to get a table for their business or homemade goods, can call the chamber at 250-368-3144.