It’s hard to define exactly why summer markets are so popular.
Perhaps it’s because, wandering by the scores of stalls in a market, one can experience the old-world charm of seeing truly fresh produce, proudly displayed by the very people who planted, tended and harvested the brightly coloured fruits and vegetables on display.
The food not only looks better, it’s also healthier and tastes better than the alternative. The only downside is that it may spoil visitors and leave them less wanting of grocery store chain offerings.
But summer markets offer a lot more than just great produce.
They are also a place where local crafters, bakers, home cooks and artisans of all kinds can set up a stall to offer unique treasures, all while providing an opportunity to meet the community, talk to old friends and total strangers alike, and share a smile.
Given all of that, it’s no surprise that the Sooke region is home to not one, but two summer markets.
In the town of Sooke, the Country Market has been in operation so long that even the organizers have trouble affixing an official start to the tradition.
“We think it’s been around for 30 years or so, although it might have been longer," said Teresa Willman, the manager of the Sooke Country Market. “We tend to have about 40 vendors on site with a real good mix of fresh produce and crafters as well as folks selling great baking, preserves and canned foods that they’ve prepared themselves. We also have a free stage where you’ll get to hear great local talent.”
The best part of the market, according to Willman, is the community spirit on display.
“It’s a community meeting place, and whether you live here or are just visiting, you’re treated like part of our big family. It’s hard to describe, but there are lots of smiles to go around.”
Sooke is also home to a Night Market that operates every Thursday evening from June to September on the grounds of the Sooke Region Museum (2070 Phillips Road). Fittingly, the Night Market works to highlight the region's rich heritage with vendors that include food producers, artists and artisans.
Down the road in the hamlet of Shirley, another summer market offers its own window into the community.
Vivi Curutchat, the market manager, describes the Shirley market as a vibrant, interesting ‘hangout’ for locals and visitors to the community.
“We have about 30 vendors but we’re really easygoing. Vendors will come and go throughout the season so you never really know what surprises you might find,” said Curutchat. “We always have a good mix of people, from fruit and vegetable farmers to crafters and everything in between. It’s a pretty diverse group of people.”
The Shirley market also operates a food stand on site with scrumptious burgers and smokies, favourites for both kids and adults.
“We have free stage activities for the kids and picnic tables where people just like to hang out and chat with the people they know and those they’ve just met. We’re a small, friendly community of about 500 and we’re always open to welcoming visitors.”
The Shirley Sunday Market operates from the last Sunday in June to the first Sunday in September between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. It’s located in ‘a cute little park’ next to the well-known Shirley Delicious restaurant on Sheringham Point Road.
The Sooke Country Market operates every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., April 26 to Oct. 11. It’s located at the grassy field above the community’s firehall (Otter Pt. and Rhodonite).
