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Chemainus Giant Street Market packs ‘em in

Vendors and patrons flock to the downtown event
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The Chemainus United Church tried something different with a “take what you want, pay what you can’ plan for its giant garage sale as part of the Street Market. (Photo by Don Bodger)

The streets of downtown Chemainus were packed for the annual Chemainus and District Chamber of Commerce Giant Street Market Saturday.

The crowds came early for the 8 a.m. opening and stayed late right up until the 3 p.m. conclusion.

“It was bigger than previous ones,” said Chamber executive director Lori Frankson. “It started out earlier and it seemed kind of consistent through the day.”

It wasn’t just locals shopping or selling their wares. Many people make a special trip to the event every year from all around the Island.

Frankson noted there were even three Port Alberni businesses among more than 140 vendors that packed along Willow Street from Mill Street all the way to Laurel.

And it seems buyers and sellers already can’t wait for next year.

“There’s businesses that want to sign up for next year already,” pointed out Frankson.

“To me, that’s a really good indicator. That’s the first year that’s happened.”

They’ll have to wait a bit because the Chamber isn’t quite set up for the next one just yet.

Responses have been pouring in to the Chamber both directly and through social media and “the feedback’s been really positive,” Frankson indicated.

“I thought it was really well-supported. The vendors commented they were really happy.”

The weather was ideal, not too hot or cold but nicely in between with mainly sunny conditions and cloudy periods.

“We really enjoyed ourselves,” said Frankson on behalf of the organizing team. “It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun.”

The usual review will be conducted to see what changes, if any, can be made in the future.

“There’s always things you want to make better,” Frankson indicated. “It’s just more behind-the-scenes stuff.”

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Amber Brownlow, Sydney Brownlow and Brenda Carmichael at the Coastal Community Credit Union booth. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Desiree Bader at her booth with Desiree’s Custom Creations items available for sale. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Street scenes, clockwise from left: Bonnie Irwin of Chemainus with her big painting purchase; Steve and Lori Frankson, the Chemainus and District Chamber of Commerce executive director, keep the traffic situation under control; Lucy Lavigne, 13, and Geordie Lavigne, 8, selling goodies outside the Chemainus United Church and the Chemainus United Church tried something different with a ‘take what you want, pay what you can’ plan for its giant garage sale as part of the Street Market. (Photos by Don Bodger)
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Lucy Lavigne, 13, and Geordie Lavigne, 8, selling goodies outside the Chemainus United Church. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Bonnie Irwin of Chemainus with her big painting purchase. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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There was stuff, stuff and more stuff available at the Giant Street Market. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Strawberry Tea is enjoyed in the St. Michael’s Church garden. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Streets were packed all day during the Giant Street Market. (Photo by Art Carlyle)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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