Kids Market ringing up joy at Victoria Beach

If Maude Delaquis ever runs a fashion empire, she can say it all started at the beach.

The 11-year-old is one of more than 30 budding merchants who will hawk their wares at the Village Green Bakery Kids Market in Victoria Beach on Sunday.

The annual event is meant to encourage creativity and entrepreneurial spirit by giving children under the age of 14 a place to sell homemade items.

Maude will be promoting Bonjour Soleil, a line of T-shirts featuring a Victoria Beach-themed decal she created. It’s her fourth year participating.

“It’s an (opportunity) to learn and it’s really fun,” she said.

Meanwhile, Amelia Proteau will be marketing stationary and her brother, Benjamin, plans to retail birdseed ornaments.

It will be their fourth year taking part in the event, too.

“It’s really fun,” said Amelia, 9. “Me and my friend are saving up to buy a bouncy castle.”

“I like (the market) because kids can come to a place where they can all buy stuff that they can use,” added Benjamin, 7.

Village Green Bakery owner Jen Leslie launched the market in 2023 after starting the bakery the previous year.

“I’m a full-on dork,” the 49-year-old said. “If there’s a fun, crazy idea, I’m trying it.”

Around two dozen vendors appeared at the first market; on Sunday, there are 34 booked. Some will sell painted rocks or bags of candy, while others will promote babysitting services or give musical performances.

In the weeks leading up to the sale, Leslie coaches the children and their parents — whom she refers to as “junior entrepreneurs” and “managers,” respectively — in person and via email.

She encourages the children to make their products themselves, decide on a price and consider how they want to advertise at the market.

Leslie encourages their parents to provide support and encouragement instead of getting too hands-on. (Ninety per cent of the work should be done by the child, according to the event’s website.)

Vendors pay $25 to register, a fee that exists to make sure they show up. In exchange, they receive table space and a registration package of goodies. (Leslie said she’s donating a portion of this year’s registration fee proceeds to the local community centre.)

The market has become a popular event, but it’s not a competition and it’s not just about making money, Leslie said. If participants have fun or meet someone new, they’ve been successful in her eyes.

She hopes they learn something along the way.

“I love the idea of kids being junior entrepreneurs,” Leslie said. “It’s all the skills in one. They’re learning about communication. They’re learning about production, operations (and) time management.”

She enjoys seeing children grow more confident as the day goes on.

“They’re kind of timid and shy at first and then by the end they’re just smiling and they’re so engaged and they’re figuring out the math and they’re just showing ownership and leadership over their parents,” she said.

“It’s really cool to see and witness.”

Village Green Bakery is important to the Victoria Beach community and the market is a terrific event, said Mayor Penny McMorris.

“It’s a great opportunity for young kids that she (Leslie) provides,” McMorris said.

“It gets a good turnout and parents and kids are happy. It’s great.”

If it’s raining on Sunday, the market will be moved to Monday. Otherwise, Leslie is excited to see people at 11:00 a.m.

“I love watching these kids get creative and do something that’s about them, not about anybody else.”

aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca