When the first one-day vegan market opened in Fort 91原创 in April, the sheer size of the crowds caught organizer Brad Hawkings by surprise.
鈥淭he floodgates opened,鈥� Hawkings said.
He estimated there were thousands of people who lined up on the front lawn of the Fort 91原创 community hall to try vegan ice cream and other plant-based treats, then went inside to see the vendors where they filled the second floor to capacity.
Brad Hawkings said some people came all the way from Seattle, in a chartered bus, to attend.
READ MORE: VIDEO: First Fort 91原创 vegan market a hit
Several vendors ran out of things to sell in a matter of hours.
Hawkings and his wife Chelsea, co-owners of Simply Delish, believed there was an untapped market for vegan products in the Fraser Valley, but they didn鈥檛 realize how big the demand was until then.
The only equivalent to the Fort 91原创 market Hawkings is aware of is the vegan night market in Vancouver.
鈥淥ut in the valley, there was nothing.鈥�
On Saturday, Sept. 28, the second Fort 91原创 Vegan Market will be held at the same location, the Fort 91原创 community hall at from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Again, admission is free.
So far, nearly 400 people have indicated they will go on the, while more than 4,000 have said they are interested in attending.
This time, Hawkings predicted, the market will be better prepared.
鈥淭he vendors, the ones who are returning, said they are making a lot more product,鈥� Hawkings told the 91原创 Advance Times.
There will be more vendors this time, about 54 compared to the 35 in April, and they will be coming with more stock.
A different approach will be employed to keep people circulating and reduce indoor congestion at the hall.
鈥淭he way we laid it out this time, we have more vendors outdoors,鈥� Hawkings said.
鈥淭his time, the flow [of people] is going to be better.鈥�
Those who attend should still expect line-ups, he cautioned.
鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be absolutely crazy busy.鈥�
Among the pluses, there will be two live musical performances and 鈥渁 ton of samples,鈥� Hawkings said.
A portion of the vendor fees are going to the breakfast program at Fort 91原创 Elementary school.
April鈥檚 market raised $1,850, enough to feed 鈥�40 to 50 kids in need鈥� at the school, Hawkings estimated.
Visitors are being asked to bring donations of non-perishable food items for the 91原创 Food Bank.
At the April market, there were enough donations to fill two shopping carts.
READ ALSO: Fork and Finger event draws largest crowds yet
.
_________________________________
Is there more to this story?
Email: dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
Like us on or follow us on
_________________________________
