While there were virtual markets during the pandemic, this will be the first time since 2019 Refresh Market vendors and shoppers have come together in real life.
Since that last market, the world has changed for us all to the point that coming together and shopping both bring very different things to mind than they once did.
Shopping safe
Pre-pandemic, most of us likely didn't think twice about being shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow shoppers, but in 2021, the potential for virus spread is top of mind for many.
Thus, COVID-19 protocols will be in place at the market, including mandatory masks for those five years old and over and B.C. vaccine cards will be required for entry.
On the 10th anniversary of the market, which was founded in 2011 by Shannon Lorenz and Rachel Boguski, this will be the first-ever three-day market to give shoppers more opportunities to browse and to spread out crowds over more days, Lorenz said.
There will be 66 rather than the approximately 95 vendors pre-pandemic to ease folks into in-person markets again and to allow for more space in the venue, Lorenz said, adding they also wanted to feature the best of the best.
There will be three food trucks at the venue to fill 'hangry' shoppers' bellies: Buddha-Full Bus, the Island Oasis beverage trailer and Teriyaki Boys will be on hand.
Lorenz stressed it takes a team to put on each market and that is true more than ever this year.
"It really takes a team, especially now where we need that additional support because we are looking into every single COVID protocol and how to keep everybody safe and so they feel safe while they are there," she said.
No supply chain issues here
While pre-pandemic most of us likely felt good about shopping local at the market, these days, with supply chain issues a global quagmire, being more self-sustaining has become a top priority for more consumers, entrepreneurs and communities.
At the market, vendors will be selling a diverse range of handmade, vintage and sustainable clothing, jewelry, ceramics, art, artisan food, housewares and more from local artists, makers and small shops.
Lorenz, whose entire career was focused on events pre-pandemic — she now is also the owner of The Local's Board Squamish in addition to her event planning and business coaching roles — said the pandemic was a chance to reflect on what matters.
"The one thing I knew to be true for myself is that community is the answer for me," she said.
"Community has always been at the heart of Refresh and we always continue to do our part to support the local artists, the makers, the small shop owners. We've always been encouraging our community to shop small and local. That has always been the backbone of Refresh."
Looking back
For Lorenz, reflecting on the decade since she and Boguski founded the market is like flipping through a family album.
"I have three children and I was pregnant with my second for the very first Refresh," she said. "So I really look at it in alignment with my growing family. So, it is like a child. You realize the humble beginnings of where you came from. We started at the Adventure Centre... with 22 vendors at that one. And seeing where we started from to where we are is pretty amazing."
Refresh Market is on Friday, Nov. 12 from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 14 from 10 to 4 p.m.
A limited number of gift bags will be available for Friday night shoppers.
Find out more or get tickets at refreshmarket.ca.
**Please note, this story has been corrected since it was first posted. It originally said there would not be food sampling due to COVID guidelines, but Vancouver Coastal Health guidelines do permit vendors to provide samples under certain conditions so samples may be available at the market.
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