Small businesses that usually sell throughout the Fraser Valley’s summer-event circuit now have a virtual storefront in lieu of their typical festival kiosk.
The District of Mission has found success over the last two months in the Fraser River Heritage Park Virtual Market, a online platform running one week a month (July 12 to 20 this week).
“We must now put our efforts in to safety recovery and, of course, smaller-scale events,” said Joanna McBride, event co-ordinator at Fraser River Heritage Park. “It presents us with the question of, ‘Where does this leave small businesses that normally spend their spring and summer days following the local festivals and numerous events that are thrown throughout the Fraser Valley?’”
The platform is free of charge for interested parties, such as: non-profits; local entertainment; produce, flower and plant growers; and artisans and vendors making and selling products of all types. The market’s vendor pages are linked to the sellers’ social media accounts or websites to connect with potential buyers
“Anyone that ventured out to the Sunset Markets over the last couple years knows that they were tremendously successful community events,” McBride said.
The district will continue to run the Sunset Markets in the virtual format for the time being, and will make a decision on re-opening in-person markets in August and September on the recommendations of Fraser Health.
For more information, contact Joanna McBride at frhpevents@mission.ca.
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