Downtown Merchants Market kicks off on a sunny note

KAMLOOPS – The 2015 Downtown Merchants Market kicked off with sunshine and steady crowds yesterday, though there were some scattered showers throughout the day as well.

Several blocks on Victoria Avenue were shut-down to vehicles as part of Car Free Day yesterday, July 22. Merchants were selling their wares and there was live music and lots of activities just for kids.

Some of the charities involved in the downtown market find it to be one of the best ways to get their message out to the community. Each arrives with games and information booths to draw attention to their organization.

Jacki Andersen has been a volunteer with the Breast Cancer Foundation for the past 12 years. She calls the market the foundation’s 'face to the public.' Andersen believes this is the busiest she’s seen the market since she’s been involved with it. This year the group wants to spread the word about the annual CIBC Run for the Cure, taking place Oct. 4. 

Big Brothers Big Sister mentoring coordinator Kaila McGann says her organization wants to inform people about their mentoring programs and even sign some up to be a Big Brother or Big Sister at the market.

McGann says at least 100 people came through her booth, which featured a chance to dunk bylaw officers and Coun. Donovcan Cavers in a dunk tank.

“Bylaw asked last year to be in the dunk tank. We definitely took them up on their offer,” McGann says.

The market continues today, July 23, with participating restaurants offering samples as part of the Taste of Downtown. Tomorrow, July 24, is Super Sales and More were merchants will bring their wares to the sidewalk. 

On Saturday Fourth Avenue will be closed between Lansdowne and Victoria Streets for the Battle of the Bands.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dana Reynolds at dreynolds@infonews.ca or call 250-819-6089. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.