Fresh produce, delicious jams and jellies and a plethora of hand-made items will be available at the Waterfront this month and next when the Selkirk Port Market returns for Wednesdays starting July 22.
It doesn’t matter if it’s sun shining or rain showering, the Port Market runs from 10am to 2pm on Wednesdays until the final on Aug. 26.
Ellie Longbottom, the city’s Culture Coordinator, says the market is a summertime ritual and features upwards of 40 vendors each week along with buskers to provide entertainment.
Your mid-week escape
“Wednesday is market day in Selkirk and it’s a nice way to spend your lunch break,” Longbottom said.
“People can come down, do some shopping and enjoy some time outside. Everyone has their favourite vendors and the buskers are really popular too, people look forward to taking in the summer sun and hearing talented musicians.”
More than just shopping — activities too!
The United for Literacy Reading Tent returns for another year of educational fun. The two reading tents are designed to reduce the loss of knowledge and skills that can occur for young learners during summer break.
The Selkirk Fair Trade Steering Committee will be part of the market this year and will provide information about Fair Trade in Selkirk, how you can make a difference by shopping Fair Trade and learn about local businesses that sell fair trade products and sample some fair trade treats.
The Selkirk Heritage Advisory Committee will also have a booth and have photos and other artifacts that will immerse you in the history of Selkirk. Committee members will be looking for your help in identifying people in the photos, so perhaps you’ll be pleasantly surprised and discover your family members in a long-lost photo.
The Bubble Barn will be at the Port Market on July 22 from 10am to 1pm. The Bubble Barn is an interactive, musical event, full of bubbles, and fun for all ages.
The Busk Stop
Familiar local musicians Garth & Joanne kick off the Port Market busking season on July 22. Garth is known for his performances with the Muddy River Stringers and for recording with The Crash Test Dummies. Joanne is a regular performer in the area and she and Garth are a treat for anyone who loves to listen to live music.
On July 29 Kendra Grieger brings a multitude of talents with her to the Waterfront. The classically trained musician plays fiddle, double bass, electric bass, viola, oboe and piano and will entertain the crowd with all genres of music.
Made in the Shade are your entertainers for Aug. 5 and Barry, Terry and Tim will provide their blend of country, bluegrass and vintage rock for the market crowd and kick off August in spectacular fashion.
Aug. 12 features Kendra Suss who has loved music, and been immersed in it, all her life. This is her first summer of busking at the market and she has a simple goal when entertaining – to leave people feeling brighter than they came.
On Aug. 19 Petersfield’s Austen Croy and his guitar will perform. The 17-year-old Croy has been playing and writing music since he was eight. He’s performed at the Port Market before as well as Holiday Alley, N-Joy Café, Assiniboia Downs Spring Fair and the Petersfield Curling Club.
Tim Osmond will offer up a selection of bluegrass and other genres to close the Port Market busking stage on Aug. 26. The seasoned musician has been performing for 20 years and always delights the crowd.
Plant giveaway
The City of Selkirk will be giving away approximately 250 potted perennial plants from a local nursery at the Aug. 26 Port Market to promote naturalization initiatives.
There are many benefits to naturalized planting, including managing stormwater by absorbing and filtering runoff, protecting waterways and easing sewer demand, supporting mental and physical health by connecting people with nature, and increasing biodiversity and providing habitat for wildlife. Natural plants require less maintenance, water, and care, and tolerate drought and salt while improving environmental performance.
Native perennial plants provide nectar and food for pollinating insects, including endangered bee species, while improving urban landscape biodiversity. They also increase landscape resilience to pests and diseases. Native perennials also increase the preservation of plant species within the province and promote Manitoba’s rich ecological heritage. Their deep root systems improve soil health and prevent soil erosion by making the soil more porous and better able to absorb water and nutrients.
For more information on the Selkirk Port Market, visit MySelkirk.ca/Market