Quesnel is getting a new spring market this weekend.
The Lhtako Dene Nation is launching its first-ever Spring Market on Saturday, April 26. The market opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m.
Maynard Bare, Band Manager for Lhtako Dene Nation, says the Spring Market idea came from community and vendor feedback during the Nation’s Christmas Market held in December.
“Everyone really wanted another market to come to and enjoy,” says Bare. “We have a lot of crafty, artsy people, so we thought it’d be a great idea, and another way to get some exposure on our local artists and vendors.”
Bare also attributes the market’s idea and success to Lhtako’s Land and Natural Resource Administrator Tracey McDonald. McDonald has been working to organize the vendors from across the Cariboo.
Over 18 vendors have already signed up to sell their goods at the Spring Market. With more interested. Bare and McDonald say they have been making some exceptions to allow vendors to sign up, even though it is passed the registering deadline.
McDonald says all kinds of goods are going to up for sale and display. Beading, dream catchers, and jewelry, there will also be food and snacks, and other items made from local artists. All items and food are handcrafted and homemade.
“The goal here is to get some exposure on our local artists,” Bare says. “I think we’re doing a great job because more and more are interested in coming out.”
Bare adds these markets and events have been “a huge” help for Lhtako’s businesses and community. More activities are being planned to use their facilities, and more youth groups are forming to use the space.
“People wanted more of this stuff at the longhouse,” Bare says. “We built this for the community, and it’s being utilized pretty much every single day. We also get tons of people from Quesnel that come up, and some have never been to Lhtako before. So it’s great to get the Quesnel community up here and teach them a little bit about our culture and share.”
The Lhtako Spring Market is on April 26, and starts at 10 a.m., going until 4 p.m. With a good turnout and lots of buzz, Bare hopes these markets will be popping up more and more for Lhtako and Quesnel in the future.
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