Although the opening weekend didn't live up to its ultimate potential, vendors who are already part of the the city's newest market said they foresee good things.
"I think it's going to be a new venture Prince George has needed for a while," said Dee Carroll. After closing her Dominion Avenue store, Carroll has been operating her business - New Ways Marketing presents an Emporium and Gallery - out of her home, and now the new flea market.
After years involved with flea markets across the country, business owner Annette Savage wanted to bring something to Prince George with a touch of class. The Butler's Market (named after the wooden butler standing guard at the door), which took over the former Community Policing Access Centre at 1156 Fourth Ave., opened its doors Saturday morning with vendors selling books, jewelry, antique wedding dresses, estate items, collectibles and baked goods.
In addition to tables vendors can rent for $15 to $25 (tax included), there are also 10 rooms to rent, each allowing the vendors who rent them to lock up their items, and decorate their individual rooms to their liking.
"We need someplace people can garage sale in the winter and a place to get out when you're getting spring fever as wells as a place to meet and great other people and find new gift ideas," Carroll said.
Savage said there was a good turnout for the first day, but it slowed down enough on Sunday that she is likely going to change the opening time to 11 a.m. for that day in the future.
"It was a little slow this weekend, but there are a lot of things going on downtown," said Donna Wiggins of Marmot Hill Gardens. But Wiggins said she likes the idea of flea markets to vend her food and crafts. "You have access to a wider section of the community over farmers' markets," she said.
Admission to the Butler's Market is a 50-cent donation to the Hospice Society.
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