Both tourists and locals will have a chance to get a jump on weekend shopping thanks to an initiative that will turn green space at a local church into a selling place for local vendors.

Much akin to the Wellington Farmer’s Market that uses the Wellington United Church parking lot on Saturdays, the Sandbanks Summer Market will be open Friday afternoon from 2-8 p.m. Starting June 29 at the West Lake Community Church which is located at the corner of County Roads 12 and 18.

Angela Bakker is the organizer of the market which is operating in cooperation with the church to not only support local vendors and young farmers but also help bring exposure to the place of worship.

“There’s certainly a high traffic volume at this location on Fridays and there is a real opportunity to help and support ecologically minded farmers and artisans,” Bakker explained.

The goal of Sandbanks Summer Market is primarily to expose potential customers to fresh, local and clean foods as well as crafts, art and other prepared goods.

“This is a community church and we want to help these vendors as well as give the church some exposure,” Pastor Brent Babcock said. The idea is visitors stop here on Friday afternoon, fill up with some good, fresh food and local goodies and then stop by on the way back home for our service at 10 a.m. On Sunday morning.”

Among the vendors that will be a part of the Sandbanks Summer Market are Jubilee Forest Farm, Blue Wheel Barrow Farm, Haanover View Farm, Prince Edward County Hot Sauce, County Catch Fish, Papa Ghanoush & Momma Hummus, VR Suds and Stuff, Maple Key Tart Company, Outlet Food Company, Cathy Caley Photography and Sonrise Christian Academy Lemonade stand.

“The students from Sonrise will be here selling lemonade in their souvenir cups and all the money raised will go to the operation of the school,” Bakker explained.

The Market is scheduled to operate until Oct. 5, 2018.

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/sandbanksmarket/