The Fireweed Community Market is returning for its 15th year. The market takes place at Shipyards Park on Thursdays starting May 15, and will be open for an extra day this season. Starting on June 28, there will be a Saturday market from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Colin O’Neill, manager of the Thursday market, is very excited for the Saturday opening.
“It was an idea that was talked about over the years, and we finally decided to go for it,” O’Neill says. “So far we have a great line-up of vendors for Saturday. I think it will be a really big hit with everyone.”
The market is a prime summer event for locals and tourists in Whitehorse. Each vendor presents something special and local. Every year, the market continues to grow. This year will feature vendors of plants, locally grown herbs, organic produce, gluten-free baked goods, goat cheese, arctic char, smoked fish candy, alpaca clothing products (see cover), and more. Arts and crafts vendors will also be featured. They will include stained glass and local artwork.
In addition to the vendors, each market day has fun festivities for kids, live music bands, and different food carts.
“The market is a great activity for families to engage in, and learn more about local Yukon products,” O’Neill says.
In addition to showcasing local vendors, the Fireweed Community Market hosts different workshops each week.
“People can learn about growing plants, how to cook certain foods, and there are even some walking workshops,” O’Neill says.
The workshops are always free. The schedule does vary, but a list of events is posted at the market.
For those who cannot make it to the market, the Yukon Made Store is open year-round in Shipyards Park.
“We make sure that everything in this store is made in the Yukon,” says O’Neill.
The store does not offer everything the market does, but it does give a nice taste. Homemade scented soaps, jams, coffee, paintings, and moccasins can all be found there.
Although O’Neill enjoys managing the Thursday market, he says they have to bring in help for the Saturday version.
“It is a lot of work, so it will be nice to bring one more person on board.”
The opening day of the Fireweed Community Market is Thursday, May 15. It runs from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. It will be open until September 11. The Saturday market will run until September 27th. For more information go to www.fireweedmarket.yukonfood.com.
