The weekend is often a chance for local vendors to sell their wares, meet new people, and see what others in the area have to offer.

This weekend, three different markets were open, with two in the CanadInns building and one in downtown Portage.

The United Way West Central Manitoba hosted Portage's Largest Garage Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the curling rink, with the Mother's Day Market going on across the hallway with several vendors in the banquet hall as well. 

Portage's Largest Garage Sale

The scene inside the curling rink saw around 60 vendors participating in the garage sale. Megan Romphf, the United Way West Central Manitoba's Community Engagement Coordinator in Portage, noted that they had a solid reaction from the community.

"We opened the doors at 8:30 this morning, and everybody was here, set up, and ready. We had over 100 people come in within the first half an hour, and it was just a steady flow of patrons all day, so it was great."

Romphf adds that the funds raised by admission are all used to support organizations in Portage.

"Without the support of our local community, or those who are coming from outside of our community, we can't run the programs, we can't give back to the local community. So, thank you to everyone who attended today. Without you, we couldn't do this work."

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The Mother's Day Market

Across the hall, the Mother's Day Market had nearly 70 vendors selling their wares, from nail polish to baking to 3d printed toys.

Jodie Poirier, the Executive Director of the Portage Farmers Market, emphasized that the market gets a lot of people, both vendors and patrons, coming out.

"This is our third year for it. The community’s really enjoying it. I think the vendors enjoy coming. We have repeat vendors coming back, which tells me it's a good show," she continues. "Because we don't charge admission at the door, it's just a cash donation that we donate locally, we don't really have an actual number. So, we just go based on the people who choose to participate in our free draw for our gift certificates. Last year, there were about 500 people. We always have people who choose not to, so our numbers are higher than that."

The convenience of having both markets in the same location seemed to benefit both, as patrons wandered between the two freely throughout the day.

The Youth Market - The Masonic Hall

Lastly, Portage's first-ever Youth Market and Concert ran on Saturday, with several young artists bringing their works to sell.

Hunter Schmidt, the organizer for it, notes it was born out of necessity for his band, and as a way to support young artists in the region.

"I played in a band with my friends, and there were never really any show opportunities for us here because we played a lot of heavier music. So, I started booking my own shows for my band when I was about 16, and just slowly built some skills like putting on that show. Then later on, I wanted to continue putting on shows in Portage and talking to bands. I've been looking for more ways I can do that and help my community and support other alternative artists like me," Schmidt continues. "I'm trying to create a bit of an underground music scene in Portage. I just wanted to give back to my friends, give back to my community, help everyone out, help people make some money, help people start their businesses, and encourage them to do art."

Several young people were on hand, selling their artwork, along with food and drinks for sale.

Following the market, Schmidt had a few bands take the stage to perform as well.