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Fraser vendors, residents press staff to relocate market and boost promotion after low turnout
Summary
Recreation staff and vendors reviewed the vendor market, community garage sale and related summer events. Organizers reported strong interest in the citywide garage sale but low vendor visibility at the vendor market; staff said it will explore moving the market to higher-visibility space and increase signage and social media promotion.
At its July 1 meeting, the Fraser Recreation Commission heard that the city’s vendor market drew modest attendance despite having 21 vendors and four food trucks, and residents urged staff to move the market to a more visible spot on Garfield/14 Mile to increase foot traffic.
The issue arose as staff reviewed summer events, including a June 20–22 community garage sale that registered 55 participants. “We have 21 vendors at this market. We have 4 food trucks,” a staff member said, noting new banners and lawn signs planned for upcoming markets on July 12 and Aug. 2.
The garage sale was described as a “huge success” by staff, who said there were at least 55 registered sellers and likely more unregistered participants. “It seemed to do real well,” the staff member told the commission, while acknowledging weather and overlapping local events may have reduced attendance for some activities.
During public comment, a resident who identified herself as Vanya Apps of 31641 York Street urged moving the vendor market closer to 14 Mile Road so passersby can see the tables and the activity. “You couldn’t even see it when you were looking,” she said, and recommended placing vendors on the lawn next to the fire bay and lining food trucks along the parking row.
Commissioners and staff discussed logistics for a relocation, including parking, emergency access and the number of vendors and food trucks the lawn space could handle. “I’ll work on it this week of seeing if I can put all the vendors in the field for sure,” the staff member said.
Organizers also acknowledged advertising gaps. Staff said the communications person posts material to Facebook and Instagram but that many residents do not see the posts. “If you see it, there’s a page you wanna share it to, please let you know, just share it,” the staff member said.
The commission did not take a formal vote on relocating the market at the July 1 meeting; staff said they would survey the lawn area and return with logistics. Upcoming vendor-market dates cited by staff include July 12 and Aug. 2. The commission asked staff to continue refining signage and outreach strategies before the next market.
Less urgent event details: staff said the department will run three outdoor movie nights (July 19, August and September dates), with the July screening of Toy Story scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m., and that face painting, free popcorn and concessions would be offered.
