For the first time since Berwick Parksville opened in 2022, Janice Roberts, Berwick Parksville Community Relations Manager, was able to secure a booth at the very popular Summer by the Sea Market. which operates on Tuesday evenings in July and August on downtown Craig Street. As Norma said, “As a newcomer to both Berwick and Parksville, I was impressed with the Craig Street Market.”
The purpose was to promote Berwick Parksville, and Janice offered our resident artisans the opportunity to showcase their talents, selling their products. It also highlighted, for those interested in moving in, the quality and diversity of talent available, particularly if they share the same interests.
Participating resident artisans for opening night were:
- Jan with her woven skeins of wool and woven cotton tea cloths…. Jan’s skeins were the first sales!
- Bob with his crafted jewellery
- Jean with her sewn bags and other sewn items
- Norma with her baby knits
- Chris with her photo coasters, cards and bookmarks
Although Janice and Norma set up the booth and manned it, interest among the resident artisans was high and we all attended. Bob commented, “An evening of chatting to some about life at Berwick, some just chatting and great staff made it a very enjoyable evening.”
Prior to the opening night, the resident artisans handed in their items along with an inventory list. Janice took care of all payments, meaning visitors could buy from one or more resident artisans and it was just one payment. Jan said, “It was a great way to show off my handmade items in a busy, friendly environment.”
After the event, Janice gave us each an itemized list of what had been sold and the cash for same.
For Chris, who donates a portion of her sales to the Alzheimer Society of BC (in honour of her mum), any opportunity to create awareness of it and Berwick Parksville, is a bonus.
Even though the forecast was not great as it was windy and cool, with rain threatening, it was a proud moment for all to greet those attending and to be able to show off Berwick Parksville in a different way and we eagerly anticipate the next evening.