Saturday, October 15 is market day in Bourget.

The first Bourget Community Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along the Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail at and near the Bourget Pavilion by Levis Street.

In collaboration with the trail corporation, the market will bring the community together to raise awareness of community initiatives and share how community members can get involved, promote wellness activities, support local businesses, and share live music.

According to market organizer Juliana Skarecky-Colwell, the idea for the market started while on a bike ride along the trail with her neighbour. She asked if events took place at the open space around the pavilion. Her neighbour said there had been talk of events, but not much had occurred there.

“As someone who loves building community and event planning, that sparked the idea to create the market,” Skarecky-Colwell said.

Skarecky-Colwell contacted the Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail Corporation and plans began to take shape. She and trail corporation Executive Director Eric Collard have been working closely with organizing the market, and the neighbour who was with Skarecky-Colwell on that bike ride where the idea began has been helping with placing posters for the market around the area.

“I am organizing this market as a community member volunteering to create a space where the community can come together, especially after the last few years we’ve had, and welcome visitors from other nearby areas, such as Ottawa. I am excited for the event to come to life!” said Skarecky-Colwell.

For now, the market is being planned as a one-time event but Skarecky-Colwell is hoping it is successful so it may be held again in 2023.

“It is a chance to support community organizations, artists, and small businesses,” she said.

If there are community organizations and/or vendors who would like to participate, they may contact Skarecky-Colwell at [email protected]. Please note, the market is not geared towards multi-level marketing companies. It is free of charge for vendors to set up, but if a community organization or vendor is trying to sell something at the market, they must have vendor insurance.

Family-friendly activities at the Bourget Community Market will include a colouring contest, pavement chalk art, and a rock garden.

There will be a small silent auction of items donated by vendors, and all funds raised will be given to the trail corporation.