Hundreds come out for supper market kickoff on Thursday night

Mike Reles and Amber Halkes are entering their third summer as small business owners in Crystal Beach.

The owners of Maplewood Gelato, this is the first season they’ve set up at the Crystal Beach Supper Market with a mobile cart to show off their tasty flavours.

They were one of nine pathway vendors at the event, the kickoff for 2025.

“It’s a great way to expand our exposure,” said Reles, adding that “it’s sort of like adding another location but without the brick and mortar.”

Halkes said it’s “great to be outside” and enjoy the live music, meeting new customers and seeing “lots of familiar faces.”

The supper market runs every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. until the end of August.

Market manager Dan Strugar told Fort Erie Radio at about 6:30 p.m. that he was anticipating close to 800 people would be the final tally at the end of the night, adding that extra picnic tables were brought in to handle the crowds.

“And they’re all being used, which is awesome,” he said.

The Ridgeway-Crystal Beach Kin Club handles the licensed area, which raises money for a different charity each week.

The Brain Injury Association of Fort Erie was on the receiving end of Thursday’s efforts.

Live music was taken care of by Stuck in the ’90s, a local cover band that plays pop, grunge, and alternative classics from that era.

Ward 5 Councillor Tom Lewis said he was delighted by the turnout at Waterfront Park, but noted that local businesses “along the strip” on Erie Road would also benefit.

Lewis said town bylaw staff was out, but that he was pleased that organizers worked to get “parking under control” by freeing up more spaces and offering more accessible spots.

“People are happy and happy people are exactly what we want,” said Lewis.

Anne Vella from The Runaround, a bar on Courtwright Street, has been mobile for about five years and plans to be at the supper market each week this summer, serving taco bowls and other menu items.

“You’re right by the water, meeting new people, and everyone is so nice,” she said.

“You can’t ask for anything better than this,” Vella added.

Stay Informed

Events, offers, contests, and breaking news, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Subscribe