THUNDER BAY – It’s been a tough couple of years on Thunder Bay business community.
Many outlets were reduced to curbside pick-up or online delivery for much of the pandemic, sporadically permitted to invite customers inside their actual store fronts as COVID-19 conditions warranted.
Things are somewhat back to normal in the city, for now, and a pair of local entrepreneurs want to make it even more so.
Hilary Hoogsteen and Kate Strange, owners of kraft, have teamed with the Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. and plan to host a waterfront beer and artisan market at Prince Arthur’s Landing on Sept. 25.
The event will feature more than 100 vendors showcasing local products and creations, a rain-or-shine event that’s even dog-friendly.
More importantly, it’s a chance for consumers to connect first-hand with some of Thunder Bay’s most creative artisans, support the local economy and, after the shopping has exhausted them, relax with a cold brew to recharge them while listening to live music, a rarity in pandemic times.
“We just love local,” said Strange, a Down Under import who has made Thunder Bay home.
“Hilary and I are not from here. I’m from Australia and Hilary is from out west. I’ve been here three years, Hilary it’s two now. When we both moved here, we obviously didn’t really know anyone but our husbands and families and we fell in love with the local vibe. We created this two years ago now.”
Hoogsteen said it’s been a labour of love staging the markets, adding she’s glad the current restrictions allow for it to happen – fingers crossed, of course.
“After a challenging year, just being able to come together and really being able to bring the community together in person is going to be really special,” Hoogsteen said.
There will be a little bit of everything, said the duo, who also own Waxxed, a candle shop on Cumberland Street.
“We’ve got a good mix,” Strange said.
“We always look for a pretty good cross section,” Hoogsteen added. “There will be lots of knitting, candles, fabric textiles, visual art.”
Even the pups in attendance will be taken care of, Strange said.
“This time around there’s a lot of dog-friendly treats,” she said.
The market, titled kraft: a waterfront beer and artisan market, will feature free admission and very important picnic packages are available for purchase through new local business, Picknicki.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to Roots to Harvest. Registration will be required on site due to COVID-19 protocols.
The market runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 25.
