Get ready for six more markets in Alberta Avenue this year

Pop-up markets at Alberta Avenue have proven to be a success since they started in 2018.

Virginia Potkins, market organizer, says, “When we did our first Christmas market in 2018, we had only 12 vendors and the market was open for four hours. We had maybe 125 people attend.”

Last year’s Christmas market was quite a different story, with 42 vendors and 600 people attending. The market ran all day long.

And during last year’s markets, Potkins says, “We increased our vendor size with every market. The vendors made money.”

When Potkins started up the markets last year, it was to see if they’d be successful in the area. Alberta Avenue once had a farmers market every Thursday, but the market eventually closed due to lack of popularity. So, the success of these pop-up markets has been encouraging.

“This year, I’m going to do six markets,” says Potkins. There will be a variety of goods at the markets. “Each market attracts different vendors and therefore each market will have our regulars and a great mixture of new vendors,” says Potkins. “You can expect everything from pet products to clothing and jewelry to home decor.”

She plans on holding two night markets if the weather is good. Organizers will ensure the area is well-lit. Because activity will be going on around the Avenue, it will hopefully reduce crime and get people engaged. The night markets are scheduled for June 19 and Aug. 28 from 7 to 11 p.m.

“The night markets are a partnership with Theatre Prospero. They’ll be doing something interactive.”

Potkins has the other four markets planned for May 28, July 30, and Sept. 24. The Christmas market is scheduled for Nov. 21. She adds, “Now with everything that’s going on [with COVID-19], the May markets are questionable. The Bloomin’ Garden Show & Art Sale has been cancelled and maybe even the first public market at the end of May. I’m just taking it day by day.”

The markets are all scheduled to be held outside Alberta Avenue Community League again, unless the weather forces vendors indoors. 

There’s still space for vendors, buskers, balloon artists, live painters, or face painters to participate in the markets.

“Anyone who wants to show off talent,” says Potkins. “Interactive stuff for people to see and experience.”Email Potkins at specialeventsbyginamiller@gmail.com to participate in the upcoming markets.

POP-UP MARKETS

May 28, 4-8 pm

June 19, 7-11 pm

Aug. 28, 7-11 pm

July 30, 4-8 pm

Sept. 24, 3-7 pm

Christmas market: Nov. 21, 10 am to 4 pm

Featured Image: The first Christmas market in 2018 (pictured) had only 12 vendors. The next year, there were 42 vendors. | Karen Mykietka