May long weekend on Gabriola

We’ve seen the Island kick off into summer mode this long weekend, the parking lot around the Folklife Village has been busy. There was a well attended pancake fundraiser for the Gabriola Healthcare Auxillary in the parking lot in the morning and it was also the first day of the 2010 Farmers Market (held at the AGI hall on Saturdays from 10-12). A few stores are now open in the Madrona Marketplace, we had a chance to look at Brent G Studio and A Slice Of Life.

** TRAVEL ADVISORY**
If you are traveling to Gabriola in the next few weeks, please be advised that the MV Quinsam is now back in service but is not keeping up speed. This means that there have been delays to the schedule, please accommodate for this in your plans. We expect to have a new schedule effective May 27 2010.

Madrona Marketplace Update

Madrona Marketplace still expects to open for business April 1st. Over the next couple weeks you will see the exterior finishing completed as electrical, plumbing and concrete slabs are undertaken inside. Tenants are busy working on signage, ordering equipment and stock, as well as build out plans for each unit. Sounds like there is going to be some amazing retail and office interiors! Excitingly, Slice of Life Gallery and Gift store is the newest to join Madrona Marketplace leaving only one 700 sq ft space! Mark Whalen and Maarten Perera of Slice of Life will offer art supplies and interesting giftware in the dramatic art gallery space. The "coffee place" which has been called the "coffee place" now has a name; it will open up as Mad Rona"s Coffee Bar and offer everyone's favorite espresso drinks alongside excellent brewed coffee, pastries and treats. As we get closer to completion we will announce our grand opening and advise of any newcomers to Madrona Marketplace!