Avenue Market unveiled

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted May 9, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Residents are being urged to head downtown. The inaugural Avenue Market kicks off today on 30th Avenue and a variety of vendors will have displays, while merchants will also participate. “It will take place every Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. until Sept 26,” said Lara Konkin, Downtown Vernon Association executive director. Because the event will take place on 30th Avenue, there will be some changes in traffic patterns. “Portions of 30th Avenue will be closed,” said Cleo Corbett, the City of Vernon’s long range planner. For May, the two blocks that will be closed are from 32nd to 34th streets from 3 to 8 p.m. “All streets will be left open to north/south traffic,” said Corbett. Barricades will start going up at 3 p.m. and parking meters will be bagged to notify motorists of the closure. For the remainder of the Avenue Market season, 30th Street to 34th Street will be closed from June to August and 30th Street to 32nd Street will be closed in September. “The city is very pleased to support the DVA in its initiative,” said Corbett. Opening festivities today will include live music, bracelet making and plasma car races. There will also be kids’ activities such as including face painting, a bouncy house and a crazy loom. “Restaurants all along 30th Avenue are open and will have sidewalk patios,” said Konkin. “Retailers will have merchandise displays on the sidewalks and farmers, artisans and crafters will be vending in the streets.” The Avenue Market is the latest addition to the Friday schedule. Also kicking off its season today is the Vernon Friday Night Market at the Village Green Centre parking lot from 3 to 7 p.m. The Coldstream Farmers Market runs year-round at the Coldstream Women’s Institute Hall Fridays from 2:30 to 6 p.m.