Organizers and vendors praised the weather gods on Sunday as Sandy Beach Regional Park held its first market of the summer.
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The market became a summer tradition for lake residents in 2019 with 14 vendors to promote the park. It’s grown to 62 artisan vendors plus several food vendors and attracts hundreds of attendees.
“There was so much interest in this year’s market, to the point of having a wait list,” said the park’s general manager Char Kozak. “We decided to place vendors in the centre of the market to maximize our space and get as many people in as possible. It worked out really well.
“I love the selection. We have quite a few artisan vendors offering great selection.”
Sunday’s market was the first of two for the year, with the second scheduled for Aug. 3. According to Kozak, the market has special meaning to Sandy Beach residents.
“We’ve really gotten our name out there and it’s helped the park so much. We have so many new people coming out here, which is amazing.”
Lloydminster resident Ainsley Karolat made her market debut with her all-natural skin care business, Nourished by Nature.
“I started making it for myself and was giving it to friends as Christmas gifts and everyone was encouraging me to start selling it,” said Karolat.
“The market’s been good today and foot traffic has been good; it’s a busy market.”
Cora Nydokus of The Yarn Sister has been a vendor at the market for three years and said Sunday’s turnout was amazing.
“Everyone who’s come by has been great,” she said. “The weather is beautiful and sunny, everyone’s been so pleasant and this market is well organized. I love coming to this market. It’s one of my favourite ones to come to.”
Charlotte Harwood of The Krazy Kat Lady Bannock and Baking from McLaughlin said the market’s growth over the years has been great to see.
“I never expected to add on a beading business and start teaching Bannock classes in schools, which I’ve never done before,” she said. “Today turned out amazing and it’s nice to see new vendors and returning vendors.”
Looking ahead to the market in August, Kozak couldn’t thank the event’s sponsors enough.
“This wouldn’t be possible without our amazing sponsors. Scorpion Oilfield is one, Gold Horse Casino consistently sponsors the stage for our live music, and the Tasty Zone is sponsored by Dominos and Quiznos. We also have Home Hardware, Arbys, the Lloydminster and District Co-op and more,” she said, noting other exciting news from Sandy Beach.
“We have our kitchen running full time at the park, so anyone coming out for golf or staying at the park can get food there. We’re also licensed (for liquor)for the first time this year, which is exciting. It’s going to be a fantastic summer.”
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