When the Merritt & District Chamber of Commerce re-launched the favored Quilchena Street Markets in 2022 after a pandemic pause, residents got here out in full pressure to point out their help. 

For 2023, the Chamber is kicking it up a notch by including the Summer Night Markets to the combination, for the primary time since 2018. 

“It’s in direct response to the success we had with the 2022 markets and we are just looking to develop up as much as we can. One focus this year is bringing more in for people to enjoy at the market,” mentioned Joe Nemeth, market coordinator for the Chamber.

Nemeth is at the moment contacting entertainers and meals distributors, and reaching out to non-profit organizations who can use the markets as a platform to teach about their trigger. The aim is to diversify and usher in a variety of choices for all to get pleasure from and to make the occasions a hit for the entire group. 

“We want to make sure that you can come down to the market and just enjoy the atmosphere,” added Nemeth.

The Quilchena Street Markets will kick off on May 27, and canopy the 2000 and 2100 blocks of Quilchena Avenue. About 20 spots for distributors shall be obtainable for the inaugural market, in addition to for every of the next six on June 24, July 8 and 29, August 19, and September 2 and 30. The growers and artisans of the Nicola Valley Farmers’ Market, who’s partnering with the Chamber for these occasions, may also arrange on Quilchena Avenue for the road markets, versus their common spot subsequent to the Baillie House.

Spirit Square, together with the 2000 block of Granite Avenue, is the placement for the Summer Nights Markets, which make their debut on June twenty eighth from 6-9 pm. Nine extra markets are deliberate after that, each Wednesday from 6-9 pm till September sixth. With a complete of ten evening markets there are nonetheless alternatives for sponsorships. 

“We will be reaching out for sponsorships, there will be opportunities for sponsors to bring in entertainment, maybe give us the opportunity to maybe bring in something to Spirit Square,” famous Nemeth.

While the Chamber has taken on the organizational duties for this yr’s occasions, it really works carefully with the City of Merritt and the Nicola Valley Farmers’ Market and is all the time searching for extra collaborators and contributors to make the markets a hit. 

“That rising tide is just going to lift all boats for the next year. It would be fantastic if we can make this something that the community really pulls in on,” added Nemeth. 

A vendor spot at any of the markets is free for Chamber members and non-profit organizations, for all others a $25 payment applies. Registration types might be downloaded from the Chamber web site: https://www.merrittchamber.com/2023market.