ChooseCornwall.ca – By Bob Peters– Imagine a year’s worth of visiting artisan studios, eclectic shops and outdoor markets – all packed into one convenient weekend. Now picture an idyllic orchard setting on a hillside overlooking the St. Lawrence River, and you will have some idea of what to expect from the 8th Annual Trunk Sale.

The popular Trunk Sale returns this coming weekend, Saturday November 4th and Sunday November 5th, at Marlin Orchards, just east of Cornwall on Country Road 2.

There will be something for everyone, with original art and woodwork on display, as well as goods from local merchants and manufacturers. With over 100 vendors each day, organizers are confident that the event has a little something for everyone.

“It’s a one stop shopping event, where you can get all of your Christmas shopping done under one roof,” notes Debbie Burns, one of the key organizers for the event. “Join us for one or both days as many vendors will change out over the weekend.”

The Trunk Sale is an opportunity to meet the artists and artisans who have made the products on display. It is also an opportunity to visit with your neighbours in an old fashioned market setting in the expansive greenhouses at Marlins.

“The first trunk sales started in 2010 with 30 vendors and attracted 500 people,” added fellow organizer Julie Hickman. “Every year the sale has continued to grow and last year over 3,000 people were able to browse the wares of over 130 vendors.”

“The success of the event is due to the positive community vibe that descents upon the orchard.”

One of the nice things about the Trunk Sale is that it brings together artisans with established small business owners as well as aspiring young student entrepreneurs.

“The Trunk Sale continues to support our youngest entrepreneurs and help them introduce unique quality products,” says Ms. Hickman. “We are very proud to continue to offer a venue that has something for everyone.”

The Trunk Sale is open from 11 am until 4 pm each day.

Tickets

Tickets are $5 for the day or $8 for the weekend pass.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Marlins Orchards, Rachel’s Kids/House of Hope, Dr. Rachel Navaneelan Dentistry, The Coffee Shop (inside the McConnell Medical Centre), Serendipity Boutique, Life’s Little Pleasures & O2toGo Dive Shop.

Tickets are also available at the door.

Parking and Shuttles

Parking is very well organized but attendees are reminded that this is a busy show and to be patient when parking. Roxborough Bus Lines are offering a shuttle service from the rear parking lot at Eastcourt mall to the main entrance into the show at Marlins. Buses leave Eastcourt on the half hour starting at 10:30 with the final bus leaving Marlins at 4pm.

A Tradition of Giving

“Since 2010 we have raised $122,915 for charities in our local community,” says Ms. Hickman. “Last year’s event  was our most successful yet, and raised more than $32,000 for the Maison Baldwin House.

This year’s event will benefit Rachel’s Kids.