Since the departure of the Wednesday market in downtown Clinton, Ont. a few summers ago, Jessica Carnochan, Marketing Manager at Clinton Raceway, has wanted to incorporate the same idea alongside afternoon harness racing during the summer months in the small Ontario town.

"It was unfortunate that the downtown market didn't take off as anticipated. It takes plenty of co-ordination and commitment," comments Carnochan. "That's very difficult to achieve with a volunteer base who are already running their own businesses," she adds.

Clinton Raceway decided to run a trial version of the market, featuring local vendors on the last Sunday of each month of the 2018 season. Sunday, June 24 will mark the first event of the three scheduled for the season; July 29 and August 26 will round out the triactor of Trackside Local Markets.

"It's difficult to run a successful market without a good number of vendors," notes Carnochan. "We have a nice little selection, but we're looking to add a few more to ensure that there is good variety for our fan base that takes in the races."

Each vendor is only required to provide a $25 prize that will be given out to a lucky fan during the track's Super Sunday Show, and in return will get the space to set up and sell their wares for the duration of the event (1-4 p.m.), as well as an ad in the race program that day and some mentions by the on-track announcer.

"We know Sundays may be a little tough to commit to, and there is some competition with other markets, but we've got a great venue. Parking and admission are always free for our fans, and of course there's the added bonus of a full card of live harness racing as entertainment," states Carnochan.

Anyone interested in bringing their goods and setting up for the first market is asked to contact Jessica Carnochan via email at [email protected] or call her at 519.955.6820 to discuss the event.

Information can be found online at the tracks website: www.clintonraceway.com.

(Clinton Raceway)