Thousands of bargain hunters and vintage enthusiasts flocked to the Boganes family farm in Saanichton over the weekend for the highly anticipated return of Farmhouse in the Fields Vintage Market.
The Peninsula's beloved summer market, held on July 19 and 20, boasted over 40 vendors, showcasing unique finds from Greater Victoria and even as far as Comox Valley and Calgary.
Attendees enjoyed delicious treats from Sweet Sisters, offering baked goods, coffee and cold drinks, while the Greek on the Street food truck satisfied cravings for savoury fare.
The market's picturesque setting, surrounded by lush green fields, a classic red farmhouse and a red barn filled with vintage tractors, created a charming mini-village atmosphere.
"This has been the market’s home for eight years now,” said co-coordinator Rena Laberge. “It's such a beautiful location with the trees and we have lots of parking spots on the property.”
The weekend event proved to be the biggest yet, with 3,250 people in attendance, surpassing even the organizers' expectations.
On Saturday alone, the parking team clocked a staggering 1,000 cars per hour shortly after the market opened at 10 a.m.
By noon, a long queue of vehicles stretched on Island View Road from the Pat Bay Highway exit, eager to enter the vintage haven.
"What an amazing day," commented one shopper. "Great job to the parking attendants and entrance ladies who did their very best to handle the unexpected crowds.”
The vendors offered a diverse range of vintage and upcycled goods, from small furniture and home decor to vinyl records, books, barware, art, collectibles, jewellery and accessories.
Tracy Yerrell, owner of Batfish Studio, couldn’t contain her delight at the bustling throng of people in the market.
"I believe they are searching for treasures and this market seems to have that vibe," she explained. "They’re looking for unique and unusual things that people have from their attics or garages, and here they are now for sale."
Rikki Nevins from Langford, accompanied by her daughter, snagged an early find: a pair of retro Johnny Fluevog black sandals.
"I lurked and waited until they put them back on the shelf and then I snatched them up and ran to purchase them before someone else could," Nevins said with excitement, showing off the $40 score that put a million-dollar smile on her face, proving the thrill of the hunt and the joy of finding a unique treasure are alive and well at the Farmhouse in the Fields Vintage Market.
