by Garrett Fodor
After more than two-years away of changing restrictions, due to the pandemic, vendors, shoppers, and passersby were on the hunt for deals over the weekend, as the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village (CTMHV) hosted a Spring Flea Market.
The two-day market was the first event hosted on the grounds of the CTMHV in 2022.
“We had a really great turnout, with people coming back after a couple years. So, it’s really great to see,” Donna Shilson, Events Coordinator for CTMHV, said. “After a couple years away, and as always, it’s great to remind people within the community that we are here and what the site has to offer. For so many people, it’s some of their first times on the grounds, and we encourage everyone to check it out.”
Shilson said they were extremely pleased with the turnout for the weekend, estimating there were over 2,000 shoppers on the grounds between the two-days the event was offered. The flea market featured over 100 vendors, who sold an array of items, including vintage goods and jewelry, to jams, breads, and handmade trinkets.
CTMHV, a non-profit organization, uses events like this, in addition to its summer car cruises and car raffle, to raise funds. Those dollars support its education program, which features various different programs and brings in over 10,000 school-aged children to the grounds each year, along with general up-keep and maintenance costs.
“Volunteers play a key role in ensuring that we keep our costs down, [that way] a bulk of the proceeds from the fundraisers we do go towards day-to-day operation costs and educational programs,” Shilson continued. “We are extremely happy to be back and be able to host events like we did previously.”
Shilson thanked everyone for attending the event and helping to support CTMHV. She is grateful for the support she has received from the volunteers within the organization.
She encouraged everyone to log onto ctmhv.com to learn more about upcoming events.