It鈥檚 Rachel Boguski鈥檚 favourite day of the year. And it鈥檚 never the same experience.
鈥淓very market feels completely different, because the vendors create the atmosphere,鈥� the co-producer of Squamish鈥檚 Refresh Market said.
Saturday, Nov. 22, marks the sixth annual indie market place. With 75 vendors coming from Pemberton to the Metro Vancouver, it鈥檚 the biggest one yet, Boguski said, joking that she鈥檚 not sure how they鈥檒l all squeeze into the Roundhouse at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.
鈥淲e basically are trying to fit as many people in as we can,鈥� she said, noting last year the event had 65 vendors.
The market kicks off the holiday season. There鈥檚 going to be something for everyone, Boguski said, noting artisans will showcase everything from handmade, vintage and curated clothing to food items. The market allows shoppers to stay out of malls and enjoy a more grassroots experiences, Boguski said.
鈥淲e love being able to support independent designers, artists and shop owners, especially as we head into the holiday season,鈥� she said.
The market represents more than just shopping, co-producer Shannon Lorenz said. It鈥檚 a time when the community can come together and enjoy multiple activities. The social event includes a winter-themed fashion show hosted by 撸奶社区boutique Wild and Heart. The store鈥檚 owners Sarah Johnston and Diane Rudge will be sending the models out onto the catwalk at 1 p.m.
Local children and family photographer Corrie Lindroos Photography will also be on hand with a pop-up studio to take children鈥檚 portraits. There will be childcare provided at the market by Little Twigs Playcare for up to 10 children every hour. The children must be between the ages of three to six. The service costs $5.
鈥淚t鈥檚 key to ensure the environment is beautifully decorated, interactive and inviting to everyone who steps into Refresh Market,鈥� Lorenz said.
New to the market, vendors will curate their own 鈥渞ooms,鈥� Boguski said. Different market vendors will design the spaces, giving market-goers creative insight and shopping ideas.
Admission to the all-ages event is $2 and free for children less than five years of age. Partial proceeds will go toward 撸奶社区Helping Hands Society. Market-goers will also have a chance to win a Sea to Sky Gondola Winter Family Pass. Free swag bags will be given to the first 50 people who enter.
For more information visit www.refreshmarket.ca.
