Unique outdoor vintage market in Stirling

By Karlene Skretting
Westwind Weekly News
reporter.karlene@gmail.com

This weekend Stirling will host an outdoor vintage market at the Michelson Farmstead in conjunction with Settler Days. The Funky Junk Sale & Vintage Market will feature 20 unique and creative vendors, five delicious food trucks to tempt your taste buds and live relaxing music.
“It is something we have never had in Stirling before and the quality of the items that will be at the market will be beyond what you can imagine,” shared Shanna Bikman who is organizing and co-hosting the event alongside Jill Williams and Jody Gurney.
The trio has been involved with thrifting, handmade DIY projects and repurposing items for several years now and used their contacts with other likeminded vintage and shabby-chic vendors to make the event a reality, in just over a month.
Modeled after large outdoor vintage markets in the United States, the ladies are excited to bring the experience to locals.
“We have kind of been inspired by similar vintage markets that we’ve attended in the United States,” explained Williams, adding that there are no similar markets in Alberta south of Calgary.
“It is just something fun and new. Southern Alberta needs this kind of thing. It is a good draw for Stirling and something fun for the whole family,” added Bikman.
People can expect to find vintage and antique furniture, house wears, repurposed and salvaged goods, home decor, jewelry and baby wear.
“There is just a feeling in the air, everyone is there to have a great time and everyone is supportive of each others talents and creativity,” shared Bikman about the atmosphere of similar markets she has attended in the past. “It opens your mind to the different creative talents that are out there and helps you see items in new ways.”
The vendor list includes: la TaDa!, Jami: Jewelry and Accessories, Mo & Bo Co., Mad Fish Glass Beads, La La Lace Bracelets and Jill’s Junk Shop. Several new local vendors have chosen the market to make their debut as well.
The women tried to keep a vintage theme amongst the vendors they chose and are excited to host the event at the Michelson Farmstead, a National Historical Site. They feel the location will further add to the whole experience for patrons.
In an attempt to further make the Funky Junk Sale & Vintage Market fun and interactive, rather than just a sale, there will be an Instagram contest and attendees are encouraged to post pictures for a chance to win prizes.
“If they see little hash tags around the market, people are encouraged to take a picture and hash tag it with #whatthejunk2015 and post it on Instagram,” said Bikman about the contest. There will be market credit and vendor swag up for grabs for those who participate.
Throughout the two-day market Amy Livingstone and Eric Braun will be taking turns playing easy listening bluesy Jack Johnson inspired music to set the ambiance for visitors.
The event will run Friday from 2 – 7p.m. and Saturday from 12 – 4 p.m. Admission is three-dollars per person with some of the proceeds to be donated to the Michelson Farmstead. Children 12 and under are free.
More information can be found on Facebook by searching Funky Junk Sale & Vintage Market!
The ladies hope to make the market an annual part of Settler Days going forward.