Yacht Club’s Market at the Marina to feature 70 vendors

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The event is only a couple of years old but already the Market at the Marina is looking to become a perennial feature of Conception Bay South’s annual Kelligrews Soiree.

The Market will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club (RNYC) in Long Pond on July 5, the opening day of the Kelligrews Soiree, which itself runs until July 12. In the event of rain, the market will be moved to Sunday, July 6.

The event is sponsored by the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club and organized by Stephanie Blackwood of Blackwood Events.

“The Market at the Marina is CBS’ largest outdoor vendor market,” said Blackwood. “It has been going on for a few years.” 

She described it as a community favourite that is developing and growing. Organizers expect this year’s market will feature some 70 vendors. There will be vendors inside the tent, outside on the grounds, and out on the wharf. “It’s really spread out, so everybody has lots of room to browse and shop and sit down and have a bite to eat,” said Blackwood.

Given the big crowd and enthusiastic community response last year, Blackwood is expecting this year’s market to be another successful venture. There were food trucks, live music, face-painting, visits from Pirates of the Avalon, and more. 

“It was really a mix of all ages, so the kids had a great time, but everybody enjoyed the local shopping, as well,” Blackwood said. 

Afterwards, the organizers gathered feedback to see what they could improve upon for future markets to enhance the experience for vendors and visitors alike. “The general feedback was very positive, and we love that it’s so supported by the Town of CBS, of course, and is part of the Kelligrews Soiree.” said Blackwood.

This year, the food truck vendors include Dippin’ Dots and Wood Pizza. The RYNC’s restaurant will be open, and a couple of new businesses will be selling lemonade and mocktails. When it comes to non-edible wares, there will be a wide variety. These include, but are not limited to: candles, woodworking, soaps, hooked rugs, paintings, pet treats, ceramics, baked goods, and apparel. 

“It’s a mix,” said Blackwood. “It’s a really good mix of creative artists and local vendors.”

 The Pirates of the Avalon are expected back, and patrons will be able to tap their toes along to the musical stylings of The Tipsy Seagull.

Admission to the market is $3 per person, with no fee for children 12 or younger. For anyone who wants to park at the top of Greenslade’s Road or by St. George’s Elementary, there will be a shuttle to the market which costs two dollars. Children under 12 ride for free, and pets can also be taken on the shuttle.

“It’s a must-not-miss,’ said Blackwood. “It’s a very unique event.” 

She says it is a great opportunity to experience an outdoor market oceanside. 

“There’s some very unique vendors there that only exclusively do this market in town,” said Blackwood. “And there are lots of things for pets, too. It is certainly pet-friendly. So, we encourage everybody to come on out and enjoy the day.”