Check out Loving Local: Made in the Valley Pop-up Artisan Market in the Park

Supporting small businesses can literally be a walk in the park. The 2nd annual Made in the Valley artisan market in the park was held on Saturday, September 16th outside in Watson Glen Park. I’m pretty sure it was also the last sunny, summer day before fall really made its’ appearance!

Loving Local is a business that supports small shops and local makers, and puts together local markets like the Made in the Valley market. Admission to this awesome array of local small shops was a donation to the Salvation Army in support of the recent wildfires tearing across the province.

Supporting the local shops at these markets is important because of the amazing ways they give back to the community. Case in point, The Meadow Rose Family Help Center Society was raffling off a beautiful mountain bike at the market. Donations made toward this Society actually help support local families in Chilliwack with little ones under three who may be facing some tough times. Meadow Rose Society hands out items such as formula and baby food, diapers, car seats and cribs to help families feel a little less stressed during financial crisis or emergencies.

If you’re a mama like me, as soon as you hear about organizations like this, your mama bear instincts come out and you want to help all the little ones you possibly can! Making donations to Meadow Rose is definitely an easy way to help out in your community.

Another reason the mama bear in me popped out at this market is the amazing selection of baby & kids clothes and accessories made locally! I absolutely LOVE living in the Fraser Valley because these markets are such a perfect way to stock up on new clothes for the new season.

Riverbug Love makes crochet accessories and home décor. The first thing I fell in love with at her booth was the little baby bunny hats and bear hats. I began imagining all the cute newborn photo shoots I could do with those props when my baby girl arrives in November! I also fell in love with her crochet bowls.  I could definitely see how they could be a hot ticket item; they are so perfect for everything from keys and trinkets to toys and displays.

The cutest and softest baby shorts I’ve ever seen. Adorable prints for leggings, slouchy beanies, and bibs… definitely a one-stop shop to outfit your little babe in the cutest gear. Oh, and they offer 3 piece cake smash sets, too. I wish I had of known about this shop a few months ago when my baby girl turned one!

This tee was basically made for me: Let’s Stay In & Wine. Umm yes please! Oh, and the adorable trendy typography option for the little’s that caught my eye was their “Raise Me Wild” onesie and sweater. I could really see my little girl running around with her crazy hair as the poster child for this one.

Like any mama, the kids apparel booths were the first at the market to catch my eye, but I definitely could not stay away from the home décor booths as well. THE WORD ON NATURE had a huge selection of handmade signs, trays, and ladders made from reclaimed wood. They were gorgeous. MORENO MEXICANADA offers the most unique vintage décor pieces, as well as hand painted art. The sugar skull hangings were stunning.

Unfortunately I had to pass up the opportunity of a cold brew from Field House Brewing (summer pregnancies take longer when you can’t enjoy an ice-cold beer by the way), but I wasn’t completely out of luck as the market offered some food trucks, fresh coffee, and even a cotton candy booth!

I’m definitely subscribing to Loving Local’s upcoming events. The next one in Chilliwack is November 18th and I cannot wait to support my community and tackle some Christmas shopping all at the same time!