The Ladner Village Market kicks off a brand new season Sunday.
The popular event draws big crowds to Ladner Village as marketgoers can visit many vendors, local merchants and enjoy live entertainment. Sunday will mark the start of its 21st year.
The market is full for the summer, says Tracey McKnight, one of the organizers.
"We've [got] a great, outstanding lineup of people coming into the market," she says.
Many vendors have been in attendance for a good number of years while McKnight says there's also "lots of newness coming in."
The open-air market spans three blocks on 48th Avenue from Elliott Street to Delta Street. It runs rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with seven dates in total for the season. Market dates fall on the second and fourth Sundays of June, July and August, as well as the second Sunday of September.
McKnight estimates about 60 per cent of the vendors attend each market while others choose dates that work with their schedules.
From wood art and survival gear to dog leashes and pottery, there's a wide selection of goods, including bedding plants and hanging baskets.
Some of the newest eateries are featuring Mexican fare, French crepes, Ukrainian perogies and samosas, she says.
Other food selections will include freeze dried fruits, local beef and chicken, juices, frozen take-home meals, cookies and kombucha.
While produce will be available at the first market, there will be a greater selection as the season rolls on.
"It's going to come on nicely," McKnight says.
The market celebrated its 20-year anniversary last year and organizers are looking forward to starting this new season.
"All of a sudden it creeps up on you. The weather has been a little cooler and all of a sudden you realize 'OK, the summer has come.'June has arrived and we're on top of things now. So we're very pleased."
The event also launched a new postcard this year with artwork from Ladner's Linda Jones.
"She's done a beautiful job," McKnight says.
In terms of live music, the first market will include pop tunes from Dan Hare in the first half of the day (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) while jazz group Swing 2 Beat will be in attendance during the latter portion of the event (1 to 4 p.m.).
Visit www.ladnervillagemarket.com for more information.
2017 market dates:
June 11 and 25
July 9 and 23
Aug. 13 and 27
Sept. 10
