SUNDRE – The pop-up market on the west side of Sundre has made a comeback following last summer’s inaugural run that led to a few fairly minor changes.
Although still in the same general area, the market was at first relocated to the parking lot at the municipal office building at 717 Main Avenue West from its original spot across the street at the boulevard on a green space along the walking path with a gazebo before being moved again onto the grass immediately adjacent the parking lot.
Moe Fahey, Sundre’s events and festivals coordinator, said the pop-up market was moved to the new location for several reasons, namely to provide merchants with a more level surface that is less exposed to the wind.
“The fence provides a bit of wind barrier,” she said.
Additionally, the space closer to the town office parking lot is more accessible than the walking path for vendors who can now more easily set up their displays.
“They can unload and load up conveniently,” said Fahey.
The weekly market takes place every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. until the end of August.
Last year, there were 10 canopy tents set up for the market, which at the time was held Thursday afternoons into the evening.
Fahey said a few more tents were purchased this year and that some merchants even bring their own, with as many as 20 or more vendors setting up every week.
Due to individual schedules and circumstances, it’s not always the same ones showing up so there tends to be a variety from one week to the next, she said.
And although not mandatory, booking a spot in advance at no cost is recommended to ensure a space will be available, she said, adding drop-ins are welcome and accommodated if possible.
“We have a few no shows, but we then put those tents on somebody else that shows up,” she said.
“Some people show up unexpected; you don’t necessarily have to book your space. That’s why it’s called a pop-up market.”
That being said, she added reservations are prioritized.
“It’s a free-for-all but in order to get a good spot, you have to pre book.”
The market is all inclusive to any merchants including any food trucks that may want to test the waters, she said.
“It’s all open to everybody.”
Although there’s no charge to book a canopy tent in advance, merchants will need to bring their own chairs and tables to display their wares, she said.
Above and beyond offering residents an outdoor market to check out during the summer, the pop-up market – located visibly south of Highway 27 – is also intended to try and entice visitors who are driving through Sundre on their way out to the West Country to stop by with easy access for any RVs to pull up along Main Avenue without having to worry about manoeuvering around in a tight area, she said.
