Bigger and better, James Bay Market opens its 20th season

James Bay Market Society

By Jessica Duncan

While the grassy corner of Menzies and Superior sat vacant and lifeless all winter long, the board members of The James Bay Market Society were kept busy, working their magic to conjure up a bigger and better community market, which opened to the sweet sounds of local musicians The Klez on May 2. This 20^th market season promises to be a huge success, with an ever increasing variety of offerings – amazing crafts, delicious food, beautiful art and great tunes.

Fans of the James Bay Community Market will be delighted to find many of their favourite vendors from previous years, as well as an eclectic mix of new artisans. This year, thanks to the new BC liquor laws, there will be wine tastings from Rocky Creek Winery from the Cowichan Bay. Come down and taste some of BC’s finest wines, made from grapes grown right here on Vancouver Island. Bottles will be available to purchase to enjoy in the comfort of your home, but cannot be consumed on the Market grounds.

You may not be allowed to imbibe at the James Bay Community Market, but there is an abundance of comestibles for you to enjoy while you take in the excellent music and catch up with friends and acquaintances. When you come to the Market on Saturdays, be prepared to enjoy your lunch on location. There is a small caravansary of food trucks offering Mexican food, Poutine and English pasties. This year we also welcome a new sausage and hot dog vendor bearing the catchy name of Married to the Dawg. There will be fresh pizza from Nathan, the young baker who brought you cookies and several flavours of iced tea last year, and the ever-popular ethnic fare from long-time favourites, The International Women. 

If you prefer to take your food home to consume, you are spoiled for choice this year. We are delighted to be joined by several new bakers, and a host of creative food producers. You will find a wide assortment of locally produced foods including, dehydrated fruits, gourmet vinegars and soup mixes, jams, crackers, granola, local beef and an abundance of seasonal produce fresh from the farms.

As always, James Bay Community Market offers locals and visitors the opportunity for a one-stop shop. During numerous jurying sessions, the Market board members discovered a host of talented artisans and crafters to sell at this year’s market. As well as all of your favourite regular vendors, you will find a beeswax candle maker, a group of local authors, glass work, handmade cards, paintings, sculptures, fabric work, jewelry and soaps. 

Victoria produces some of Canada’s finest musicians, and many of them are lined up to serenade you while you stroll around the James Bay Community Market every Saturday from now until Thanksgiving weekend. Who doesn’t love a free outdoor concert?

As in previous years, this 20^th season of the James Bay Community Market is open 9am-3pm every Saturday, rain or shine. Plenty of parking, and easy access for strollers and walkers.

New!

Having worked their magic to create this bigger and better season of the James Bay Community Market, the board members have also turned their talents to creating a whole new opportunity for the community to come out and enjoy local musicians, local produce, food producers and lots of local crafters and artisans. Come join us July 5 at the breakwater for the opening of the Breakwater Market every Sunday in July and August from 11am to 4 pm. The Market will be on the grassy area next to the bandstand behind the Breakwater Cafe. The new Food Truck Barge is steps way. We hope to see you there. The Market still has openings for vendors in several categories check our website at breakwater@jamesbaymarkets.com.