The Saturday Market
Arts, farmers, food and community
Kids love the Saturday Market's colourful scene
What makes Salt Spring's Market in the Park so darned special?
Well, for starters, there's the people. Every Saturday, over 100 artisans display their products in Centennial Park in the heart of Ganges, happily chatting away with locals and visitors alike. They're a big part of what gives Salt Spring its reputation as a vibrant arts haven.
It's hard not to be drawn in by the atmosphere. The sense of community is overwhelming - people talk in large and small groups, listen as buskers strum away on instruments and sell baked goods to fundraise for various causes.
As great as the people are, however, it's the products that keep the crowds returning. Whether looking for something to wear, eat, hang on the wall, cook with, or anything in between, it can likely be found at the market.
And the market's "make it, bake it or grow it" mantra ensures the products are the authentic Salt Spring deal.
For those looking to pamper their bodies, there's made-on-Salt Spring lotions, soaps, bath bombs and scrubs (or "gelato" as Saltspring Soapworks refers to it). And don't forget about the essential oils and great scents also available.
Pampering also comes in the form of clothing - tie-dye fashions, hemp products, hats, scarves and purses, the list goes on and on. Or think about adorning the body in the perfect piece of jewellery - the market has something for every style and price range.
Also check out works of art made by potters, woodworkers, painters, photographers, basket-makers and other talented islanders.
What about food? To snack on while shopping, pick up fruitsicles, doughboys, pot-stickers, hot dogs, burritos, noodle boxes, or any number of sweets. And for take-home enjoyment, there's cheeses, jams and jellies, artisan breads and island-grown produce of all flavours.
-Stacy Cardigan Smith
Other markets:
Salt Spring's Saturday market isn't the only game in town through the summer.
The Tuesday farmers market sets up in Ganges from mid-June through October. (See story on Page 75.)
North Pender Island holds a Saturday market at its community hall.
Saturna Island's Saturday market is at the community hall.
The Lions Club field on Burrill Road is the spot for Galiano Island's Saturday market.
North Pender Island holds a Saturday market at its community hall.
The Saturday market on Mayne Island sets up at the agricultural hall in Miners Bay.
Gabriola Island holds a farmers market on Saturday mornings at the agricultural hall across from the post office.