Urban Market back for one day a week this summer

There’s a new twist on the Urban Park market this year, says Emma Laiho. 

The annual event, which attracts people to the downtown core for activities, entertainment, food, and shopping, will be held one day a week on Wednesday, combining the Urban Park event with the Urban market.

“We’ve made some pretty big changes,” said Laiho.

The schedule change occurred due to the construction happening downtown, which limits some accessibility in the area.

“Due to the increased traffic downtown resulting from the construction on Algonquin, we are going to one big day a week instead of two days,” said Laiho. 

The summer student team planning the event said there is still plenty of fun to be had.

“There’s going to be something for everyone. As far as our family activities go, there’s going to be a craft every week geared to all age groups,” said Laiho. “Parents can come down and do something shopping at the market and throughout downtown, and then even for downtown employees, they can come out on their lunch.”

She added that the event gives people working in the area a chance to get out and visit with some of their neighbors.

“Walk around, be part of the community, feel closer to the people around you!” she said.

Elite Geeks will be bringing out video games weekly, Sweet Freeze will have candy on sale, and some local restaurants are looking at putting up booths for takeout.

The theme for the first week is Carnival, and the themes are a mix of old and new.

“We love doing Halloween. The Carnival is always a big hit,” she said. “Some of the themes we tried to plan based off of events happening, like the Olympics. Just trying to make it relevant and make it fun!”

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays throughout the summer on Third Avenue between Pine Street and Cedar Street, starting on July 3 It will move to Hollinger Park on July 10 to help celebrate the Timmins Public Library's 100th anniversary with a fairy tale theme.