The addition of Cochrane's evening markets have been well attended, well loved, and well received by Cochranites.

Market Manager, Valerie McCracken says while difficult to gauge exact number of attendees, the evening markets have surpassed their expectations.

"When we started with this idea and approached the downtown businesses we weren't really sure what was going to come out of it. I think all in all we are really pleased after three markets where we are with it all, and the customer support, and the overall feel of how it has come together."

McCracken says everyone from businesses to vendors has been supportive in welcoming the new venture.

"I think everyone went into this they knew this was a pilot; first year, first trial, and we didn't know what to expect, and we were pretty honest about that."

McCracken adds besides community and vendor feedback; she looks forward to hearing from main street businesses.

"I think one of the things about the street market that makes it a little easier for businesses to support is that we are a shopping event as well. So you get people to come down to shop at the Farmers' Market but then are criss-crossing the street, so I think that is one advantage of the business support.

If you are wondering if the evening markets will be a feature in 2017, McCracken is hopeful but not sure what that looks like at this point.

"I don't think anyone would say we shouldn't do this, and I know there are those that say do it every Thursday. With our Saturday market I am not sure Cochrane is ready is for two markets every week, but definitely I suspect when we do our wrap up and have a good look back at the four markets we will probably go forward next year in some similar format."

Hosting the evening markets downtown with road closures has added additional effort/work to the venture, so before committing McCracken will need to review what level of support they will receive from community partnerships.

If you would like to leave your feedback about the evening markets McCracken would love to hear from you at market@cochrane-environment.org

McCracken invites all Cochranites to come check out the last market as it will host the most vendors under a sunny forecast.

The last evening market will run September 15,  5 pm -9 pm

WATCH

In case you missed the last evening market, you can sneak a peak here: