The inaugural Beach Road Market welcomed more than 30 artisan and food vendors at Innisfil Lions Hall on Saturday.
“The Beach Road Market is a space where we can bring together (the) local community and drive economic growth to local entrepreneurs and businesses, in addition to increasing foot traffic to local establishments along Innisfil Beach Road,” market founder Kelsey Aman said.
The Beach Road Market is a vendors' event that will take place on the last Saturday of every month at the Innisfil Lions Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Though some vendors showcased their products inside the hall, it will be a primarily outdoor event until October 2023. Aman confirmed that the Beach Road Market would move indoors for the winter months, starting with their November event.
Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard and Mayor Lynn Dollin presented Aman with certificates before the ribbon was cut on Saturday morning. Surrounded by local dignitaries from Innisfil's town council, including Deputy Mayor Kenneth Fowler, and Couns. Jennifer Richardson, Alex Waters, and Robert Saunders, as well as a team of student volunteers, the wet weather on Saturday couldn’t dampen the spirits of those in attendance.
Rebekah Hawker sang and played guitar as vendors showcased their products — which included clothing, honey, granola, and works of art — and spoke with community members. Children were able to meet and pose for pictures with ponies named Chip and Oreo from What Do You Know, a group focused on rehabilitating, retraining, and rehoming horses.
Food trucks were on site to feed hungry guests, and Innisfil-based artist Maria Kelebeev created custom canvases that added a splash of colour to the entrance of the hall in addition to works she showcased inside.
Indoors, Barrie-based poet laureate Victoria Butler shared her work, and the Innisfil Historical Society provided a pop-up micro art gallery, which complemented the works of other artisans.
"This was an exciting day for me, as I was able to show my miniature craft to a bigger audience for the first time!” Marzia Nazarova of Just a Few Homey Touches said. “Although it was chilly and rainy outside, the atmosphere was very warm and cozy thanks to visitors, vendors and, of course, organizers.”
Inspired by markets from around the world, Aman said she started the Beach Road Market to create a space where community members of different generations could congregate while attracting tourists and newcomers.
Made possible by volunteers, partners and sponsors, the inaugural Beach Road Market was supported by Alcona Home Hardware, Destined For Details Event Planning, Java Gals Coffee & Home Décor, From City to Simcoe, Cookstown Antique Market, Kyla Epstein Realty, and Vault Mental Health, whose booth encouraged attendees to share a positive affirmation or a kind message on a sticky note in an effort to promote good mental health.
The Beach Road Market will feature a theme each month:
- May 27 - InnisFIT + Wellness
- June 24 - Take Flight + Art in the Park
- July 29 - Boots n' Beaches
- Aug. 26 - Simcoe Serenade
- Sept. 30 – Fall Fest
- Oct. 28 – Oktoberfest
Residents interested in learning more about Beach Road Market, including those who would like to participate as a vendor at future events, are invited to visit its website and follow Beach Road Market on Instagram and Facebook.
