Shoppers embraced the soft opening of the Invermere Farmers’ and Artists’ Market downtown on 6th Avenue last weekend.

An estimated 250 people began to forge friendships and shop locally as they weaved through the booths of crafters and food retailers on Saturday, June 13th.

“This is the first year for the Legion operating this market,” said Ray Brydon, Royal Canadian Legion financial officer and market co-ordinator. “We’ve had a small one ourselves… in front of the Legion for the past four or five years, but this is the first year we’re running the big market and we’re quite happy to be doing it.”

There were roughly 33 vendors lining the streets — some who are permanent and others who are temporarily running the stalls.

Mr. Brydon believes the soft opening of the market went well, and is eager to see the grand opening take place on June 20th.

“Then we’re expecting to have around 45 to 50 vendors in total,” he said with a smile. “But we have between 50 and 60 vendors in total if you count the part-time and full-time all together.”

The Invermere Farmers’ and Artists’ Market will run between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Saturday until September 12th.