ABOVE: Check out the sweet Buddha Bowls created by White Rock’s Elan Falvai that made Oprah Magazine’s O-list, at the One of A Kind Show at BC Place Nov. 20-23.‘The market’ is getting a very — very— bad name these days. The word conjures up images of overfed white men in ties pulling out their last remaining hairs while they scan all the down arrows crawling across the digital signs.
Like most people, I’m emotionally detached from all the hysteria but remain fully engaged in the more tangible market, the one that trades in foodstuff or goods. There’s no dealing in futures here, but your local market does ensure a future economy. The humble beginning of a market is the first sign of hope after war or natural disaster strikes. Given a chance, it blooms into a vibrant hub of activity and healthy livelihoods.
Whether it’s a Sunday farmers’ market, an early-morning fish market, junky flea market, long-running antiques market, or seasonal crafts market, shopping at a market anywhere in the world is a personal choice in more ways than one. It’s a chance to meet the people who make/catch/find the goods. You get a pretty good idea about where your money is going.
But market-shopping is also a political act. By choosing to shop at the street level you are not supporting unfair working conditions, environmentally irresponsible manufacturing processes or long-haul shipping. This kind of shopping does not make a very few very rich off of others’ poorly-paid labour.
The market is the hearth of any community, and the annual Circle Craft show that wrapped up this weekend marks the beginning of this giving season. I view the seasonal markets as a chance to pick up unique items for all the birthdays, weddings, house-warmings, baby showers coming up next year, as well as the usual household necessities like dishes and linens. One of my trusted sources for news on local fairs is http://magpieandcake.blogspot.com/ Below are the latest two seasonal biggies:
• Check out the new kid in town, the One of A Kind Show at BC Place Nov. 20-23, boasting works by more than 150 artisans that are new or not part of other markets this season. Tickets are $10, or $8 at www.oneofakindvancouver.com
• The very funky Portobello West Fashion and Design Market, coming up Nov. 30 — followed up by a Christmas fair on Dec. 13 and 14 — hosts at Rocky Mountaineer Station, just west of Home Depot. ($2 gets you in, noon to 6 p.m.)
