Stratford Easter Market set to run April 1st

From left to right, Sara Clarke (Sara Clarke Designs), Abby Rivers (Petals 2 Posh), Brittany Henry (Brittany’s Bath Bombs), Nicole Bearss (The Creative Bear) and Rosalie Preikschas (Georgie & Co.)

The annual Stratford Easter Market is set to run this April 1st and is expected to showcase more than 70 vendors from across Stratford. The event is set to take place at the Arden Park Hotel from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and all parking is free. 

Hosting the event is the Stratford Maker’s Market, a group of five local women who run their businesses and saw a need for larger-scale markets in Stratford. “It’s important to us to have large-scale space makers can showcase their work,” states Sara Clarke, gemstone jewelry designer and owner of Sara Clarke Designs as well as one of the organizers for the event. 

“We want to showcase local makers,” Clarke states. She and the team at The Stratford Maker’s Market decided to organize markets in Stratford due to the lack of spaces available to showcase their work to community members interested in purchasing items from local vendors. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it,” states Clarke. 

This year’s event will be in support of the Stratford Hospital’s special care nursery, and instead of charging cover at the door, the Maker’s Market always takes “pay what you can” donations instead; “that way, everyone can still come and support local makers and also give what they can to charity,” States Clarke. There will be a silent auction, a photo booth (by donation), and face painting for kids. The Easter Bunny is also said to be making an appearance.

Their last event, the Christmas Market, at The Tom Patterson Theater saw over 2,100 shoppers and raised $5,118 for the Stratford Rotary Hospice. “There are not enough words to describe how grateful, happy, and proud we are,” the group posted on their Instagram page after the event. The group has raised money at past markets for rotary hospice, house of blessing and out of the ashes: large animal rescue centre. “Supporting the community is a huge part of what we do.” States Clarke. 

The Easter Market is expected to see approximately 1,600 shoppers this year and welcomes all those looking to stock easter baskets or decorate their homes. There will be makers showcasing everything from candles and jewelry to wreaths and homemade dog treats at the event. There is no limit to what you might find at The Stratford Easter Market this year. 

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon on April 1st, the Easter Market will surely provide you with what you want. On top of local shopping, a cash bar and café open to serve you, and food trucks will be available on-site. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the Stratford Makers Market or learning about upcoming events, you can follow the group on their social media pages @stratfordmakersmarket. Clarke also suggests a great way to support local makers is to purchase products from them directly before looking to large-chain retailers. “Everything counts!” she says.