Come one! Come all!
The Medieval Market returns to Williams Lake Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17. The market will feature wares handmade by almost 100 artisans. While most artisans are from the Cariboo, some have travelled from Prince George, the Lower Mainland, Kamloops, and the Okanagan to attend our local fair.
The Medieval Market was started about 40 years ago as a library fundraiser by local librarian, Lil Mack. Over the years, it has become a well-loved and anticipated community institution.
The market was held in a variety of venues, but about 25 years ago, it came to the secondary school and since then it has been a fundraiser for secondary school students and programs.
It is organized entirely by teachers and community members who volunteer their time to pull this event together. Students working at the market gain valuable work experience preparing and serving food, handling money, assisting vendors, and decorating the school. Student musicians gain confidence as they perform for the public using a professional sound system. The money students earn is directed towards school programs that they are involved in, including band trips, soccer, rugby, and dry grad. The Medieval Market also funds the Emerging Artist Award, a bursary for a student in financial need who is pursuing a future in the arts.
About 15 years ago, the organizers realized how music enhanced the ambience of the market and there is now live music on two stages throughout the weekend. Performers include many LCSS students, as well as community members and ensembles. Check out Facebook for the music schedule.
When you purchase something at the market, not only are you buying something unique and beautiful, you also know that your dollars will support B.C. artisans. The 2024 market will include a wide range of clothing for both kids and adults, decorative and useful textiles, specialty foods, farm products including honey and meat, fine art, jewellery, metal work, pet products, body products, candles, books, stationery, paper, pottery, woodwork, leatherwork, photos with Santa, stained glass and fortune telling. One vendor who is selling a product that is entirely new to the market is Callie Borkowski. She will have handmade mineral tanned sheepskins from Icelandic sheep born and raised on her farm. They can be used as rugs, couch throws, yoga and meditation mats, and sleeping mats. A list of the vendors is in the ad in this newspaper.
The concession features hearty soups and wraps, smokies, treats, and Moonshine brand coffee.
So make a day of it. Connect with old and new friends. Peruse the market stalls, buy a few Christmas presents, enjoy a hearty lunch, and listen to the talented entertainers. Maybe you’ll even win one of the many door prizes donated by the vendors.
Admission is $5 for the weekend or $3 for Sunday only (kids 12 and under free). Random tickets are marked on the back as door prize winners. If you receive one of these on your way in, you will be able to select one of the door prizes donated by the vendors.
The 2024 Medieval Market takes place Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lake City Secondary Schoolon Carson Drive. If you are bringing a stroller, we suggest that you might prefer to shop on Sunday morning, when it is a little quieter.
