Sooke has a few imaginative and determined souls to thank for the establishment of the Sooke Country Market.
As the market prepares to celebrate its 21st season, two Sooke seniors, Carol Harding and Joan Hanneson, shared their collective memories with me over tea at the Reading Room.
A small group of local growers began meeting in each other’s living rooms in 1995.
Intrigued by the success of the Moss Street Market in Victoria they began to explore the possibility of developing a local market in Sooke. Organizers and dreamers” is how Hanneson described this merry band.
Mary Alice Johnson, owner of ALM Organic Farm and Full Circle Seeds, was involved in the development of the Moss Street Market and provided advice and assistance to the Sooke group.
In 1995, the Sooke Country Market was incorporated as a non-profit society. Holgar Busch, Kim and Norm Collins, Bernadette Huys, Marty Smith and Laura Stockridge, along with Hanneson, made up the first board of directors.
Busch developed the market logo and he and his partner Susa created the country market banner, which still guides folks to the market every Saturday during market season.
The first Sooke Country Market was located in the front yard at Mugford House, the stately, historic house behind the Chevron Station on Church and Sooke Road.
From 1996 to 1999, the market flourished on the Sooke Elementary School grounds.
“This was a very successful place and I remember it as a booming market,” says Hanneson.
During this time, vendor membership increased to 25. Although local produce and plants were the main features, honey, bread, chocolates, jams, knitted crafts and art were also offered for sale. Special activities, such as prize draws, clowns, Zucchini Day and the occasional musician kept the market spirit fresh and lively.
The market also became a popular gathering place where people met to visit in a relaxed, family atmosphere. The board met almost every month and had potlucks to celebrate the beginning and ending of the market season.
When Sooke Elementary began using its green space and parking area on Saturdays, the market moved to Edward Milne Community School for one season, but the location was not appropriate for a market. Then when another senior, Martha Moore, suggested the empty lot next to the Sooke New and Used as a possible site – the market had found a home.
Through the market’s evolution, the “make it, bake it, grow it” theme continues to attract keen and hardworking vendors and “buy local” supporters.
The market also provides a valuable economic contribution to our community and a family friendly meeting place for committed citizens to chat about how to change the world.
The Sooke Country Market season starts May 7 and is accepting new vendors. For information and application process, sookecountrymarket.com.
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Sheila Wallace writes for the Sooke Country Market.