New craft market opens today
Event will run when cruise ships are docked
Joe Woodford first became an entrepreneur in his early 60s, opening his business called The Sand Stop, featuring traction sand, salt and concrete products.
In September, he came up with the idea of hosting a vendor and craft market where people could promote their own work and sell homemade products.
After thinking about the idea throughout the winter, Woodford decided to approach the Royal Canadian Legion branch 12 in Sydney with the idea of possible hosting the event there.
“I thought the place was the perfect fit,” said Woodford. “I posed the question to the legion and they were agreeable to it.”
The vendor and craft market isn’t like the regular weekly event. This vendor and craft market will only take place when cruise ships are docked in Sydney.
With 90 ship calls for the port this year, Woodford knew he had to take advantage of the opportunity.
“It gives vendors and crafters an opportunity to showcase their work, while also making some money, which they will likely spend in our community,” said Woodford. “It also gives the cruise ship passengers another venue to see and experience some of the culture in Cape Breton.”
Right now, Woodford has 11 tables booked for the first event, scheduled for today when the Maasdam cruise ship brings 1,266 passengers to Sydney.
Aside from Woodford’s market, a vendor and craft market already takes place at the Joan Harriss Pavilion when cruise ships are docked.
Woodford said he’s not trying to take business away from those vendors and crafters.
The vendor and craft market is not only for cruise ship passengers, but also for the general public, said Woodford.
“It will also give the public a chance to come in and see some of the things they don’t normally see — if they don’t go to the flea market, they probably wouldn’t see some of this stuff.”
The 2017 cruise ship season ends Oct. 30 when the Seven Seas Mariner visits the island. Woodford would like to see all 20 available tables filled throughout the cruise ship season.
Admission to the vendor and craft market is free to the public. Tables are $20 each and $15 for additional tables. For more information or to book a table, phone Woodford at 902-5627620 or 902-549-2000.