The GOODS from River Market

New Westminster, BC | Since opening its doors late in 2010, River Market at Westminster Quay has welcomed the curious. The 72,000-square-foot market is divvied into the Hungry Floor on the first level — with tempting tastemakers like Wild Rice, Re-Up BBQ and the new Longtail Kitchen — and the Curious Floor upstairs, where visitors can try a circus class, record a CD, take in a temporary art exhibit or rent desk space by the hour.

Now, River Market gets “curiouser and curiouser” (apologies to Lewis Caroll), with the introduction of Curious Flea, a shopping and social event taking place June 1 and 2, where customers are invited to hang out, engage and explore. “Our goal is to create a new kind of flea market that’s social and fun,” says Curious Flea organizer Erin Jeffery. “Many flea markets today feel gloomy and transactional; customers get in and get out as quickly as possible. We hope to entertain and amaze our visitors, entice them to spend some time with us, and help them discover some exceptional finds to take home.”

On the first weekend in June, River Market will welcome the carefully curated, mid-century modern, antique, and collectible wares of more than 20 vendors. Although some will be bringing upcycled items — crafted from vintage and recycled parts — the flea will not feature anything new. Curious Flea is not a craft fair; it’s focused on treasures from the past. Vendors include Brick & Mortar Living, Vintage Pop, Robyn’s Vintage Nest, My English Country Garden, Your Ottoman Empire, PAVA Creations and more.

River Market is the perfect location for this modern kind of flea market. It’s already home to quality vintage goods, thanks to merchant Mid Century Modern Home. Owner Jenny Cashin — who is helping curate the finds at the flea — has developed a following for the shop’s beautifully restored Danish Modern and Mid-Century Modern furniture, art, lighting and decorative pieces. And, just steps away, is New Westminster’s historic Antique Alley: Front Street’s colourful clutch of antique stores. They’ll be represented with their own table at Curious Flea, and visitors are encouraged to complete their day by strolling over to the shops on Front Street.

Highlights of Curious Flea include live music, a Vancouver Circus School performance, and the Battle of the Curious: a match-up of unusual items that everyone is invited to take part in. Have something jaw-droppingly weird tucked away in the back of a closet? Bring it to the flea on Saturday, June 1. The most curious object will be immortalized forever in the Curious Hall of Fame, and the winner will receive $100 to spend at the flea market. Finally, of course, there’s the food. At no other flea market can shoppers take a break from browsing to enjoy award-winning restaurants alongside a spectacular riverside view.

DETAILS

810 Quayside Dr. | New Westminster, B.C. | V3M 6B9
Telephone: 604-520-3881
Web: www.rivermarket.ca | Facebook | Twitter

GALLERY

THE PEOPLE

Mark Shieh: Director
Mia Ciric: General Manager
Deana Lancaster: Marketing Manager
Kiran Rai Office: Administrator
Jennifer Lee: Graphic Designer
Leslie Shieh: Project Planner

ABOUT RIVER MARKET

When faced with the task of revitalizing the Westminster Quay Public Market back in 2008, the River Market team wondered: How to reinvent a public market without becoming a mall?

The concept — food-led revitalization centred on local, independent businesses — has proven to be successful since the market opened in November 2010. All of the tenant-partners are founded in the Lower Mainland, if not right in the Market itself. The innovative approach unites people around the activities of food, its emphasis on cultural and communal activities helps distinguish the Market from other retail outlets, and a customer loyalty program reinvests 1% of money spent at River Market into grassroots projects in New Westminster.
The Market’s food precinct, based on a unique “Food 360” vision, celebrates the full circle of food. At River Market, you can grow herbs in edible garden plots, shop for organic produce in Donald’s flagship store or at the Royal City Farmers’ Market, participate in cooking classes, share meals in restaurants and cafes, and enjoy food festivals. The 360 degrees is completed with a Market-wide composting program.

In addition to food for your body on the first floor, River Market feeds your curiosity on the second floor with an Artisan Market, Music Box Music School, The Network Hub and the Vancouver Circus School. The Market plays host to events such as workshops and speakers’ series, to engage and educate the public on a variety of subjects.

The goal is to help strengthen the links between residents and local businesses, and with the local food system.