It’s that time of year again. Christmas craft fairs are a distant memory while the bright and busy days of summer markets are still months away.
But if you’re suffering withdrawals from the handcrafted treasures and delicious homemade goodies that abound at these venues, fear not, relief is at hand. On Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. till 2 pm, the Honeymoon Bay Community Hall will come alive with the third annual Cabin Fever Market.
“We really felt that we needed to do this. There’s no outdoor market between Thanksgiving and our start up on the May long weekend and we do this to get people enthused again about the upcoming season,” says Honeymoon Bay Farmer’s Market manager, Bob Riddler. “It’s kind of a social thing and a start-up for the summer market people. Over 90 per cent of the vendors are the original market people.”
Those “market people” will be offering a wide variety of arts, crafts and food products sharing one thing in common; all items are hand-crafted and locally made.
“This is different than some markets that allow commercial vendors in. Ours are all handmade, homegrown with no commercial or secondhand goods,” says Riddler.
The vendors from the summer market come together to make this event something special, with sneak previews of new items that they’ve been working on over the winter and homemade goodies on the lunch menu.
Local artist Carol Rettig, a regular at the outdoor summer market with her fresh homegrown veggies, will have her painting and art cards, as well as some more edible delights.
“I’ve got some wonderful herb-wine jellies which are great for glazing meat as well as a blackberry-merlot jelly that is unique and absolutely delicious,” says Rettig. “I’ve got some different types of homemade baking as well.”
Another local artist, Shelly Ogden will be there with her Sutton Creek Spice Blends. She brings in quality raw spices and teas from around the world and creates blends that will delight anyone who likes to cook.
“I’ve done up an assortment of blended curries from all over the world, as well as specialty teas. My lazy-gourmet packs are great for anyone,” says Ogden. “It’s going to be fun and we’ve got door-prizes, a raffle and an awesome home-made lunch for cheap!”
With 18 vendors already committed and lots of space available for anyone interested in coming out to showcase their wares, Bob Riddler is confident this will be another successful event for the Bay.
“It’s awesome,” says long time market contributor, Sharonann Dube. “Just so great to get out and shake out the cobwebs in the middle of winter. We reconnect and get re-inspired.”
For more information about the market or if you’re a local artist, crafter or busker interested in participating, contact market manager, Bob Riddler at 250-749-7233.