The Sooke Region Museum is set to open the 11th season of the Sooke Night Market on Thursday, June 6.
The market will continue every Thursday evening until Sept. 5 on the museum grounds.
Developed to showcase the area’s rich heritage of food producers, artists, artisans and entrepreneurs, the Sooke Night Market is a place for residents and visitors to learn about and enjoy the region’s talent and abundance, stated a press release.
Visitors can gather with friends, enjoy dinner and dessert, listen to music, sing karaoke on the first Thursday of each month, watch performances by local youth on June 13 and 20, and purchase gifts for friends and family.
New this year, the popular Moss Cottage and Lighthouse museum exhibits will be open to the public, along with other outdoor exhibits like the Forestry Path. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the gift shop and indoor museum exhibits.
The market will feature local farmers, including Crooked Fir, Davidson Farms, Goose River Farm, The Fungus Among Us, The Greener Side Farm and Wildcraft Infusions. Dinner options will include Hide N Seek (Japanese-Vietnamese fusion), Kurry King (Indian cuisine), Pandemonium Pizza and The Green Goose Grill, known for its local Galloping Goose sausages. Sweet treats and baked goods will be offered by Bits of Bliss Confectionery, Island Tarts, Ryan’s Cookies, The Loose Leaf, and The Trotter Bakes, which will provide gluten-free treats.
An economic impact study conducted last summer highlighted the market’s positive effects on the community. Key findings include:
• Annual economic impact on the local economy: $665,000
• Annual direct sales: $443,000
• Over 16,600 visits and 12,400 shoppers annually
• 18 per cent of participants identified as tourists or day-trippers
• 29 per cent of survey respondents visit the market regularly or frequently
The Sooke Region Museum extends its gratitude to Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty for sponsoring this year’s night market. Royal LePage agents will be present at some markets over the summer to share information about the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, which has raised more than $46 million to combat domestic violence in Canada. Locally, they support the Sooke Transition House Society.
The Sooke Night Market is open from 5 to 8 p.m.
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