Chicks, ducks and geese, oh my!: Registration for third annual country market opens

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. —  The first weekend of May will feature a fun family event centered around little chicks and baby ducks in Charlie Lake.

The third annual Poultry and Small Animal Country Market will be hosted on Saturday, May 3rd at The Historic Red Barn Pub and Grill.  

Registration has begun for vendors to participate and will close at the end of April.

Shona Leahy, the events coordinator for the eatery, has organized the event to “bring more people” to experience the facility.

“There [are] so many local farmers that were around here that hatch their own chickens and geese and ducks,” said Leahy.  “[Some] even raise lambs and goats and rabbits.

“We allow them to come out and just sell them in one spot. It’s kind of a one-stop shop for people to get out and discover the pub.”

Leahy, who grew up in Fort St. John, moved away from the city for 13 years but returned in 2023.  She spent time in Grande Prairie and Vernon.

According to her, the inspiration for the event came from the Poultry Swap and Sale, an event in May held in Vernon.

“I lived down [in Vernon] with my youngest daughter,” recalls Leahy. “She started raising her own ducks and goats and chickens.

“When we moved back, we thought ‘why don’t we do that here?’ [As] there are tonnes of local vendors and farmers here too.”

Sales are not just limited to animals: the event will also be open to local crafters, artisans or anyone who wants to sell their own product, Leahy said. 

In addition, Baldonnel’s Chambers Horse Drawn will offer carriage rides around the area.

“They [can] make soaps or candles,” said Leahy. “Local crafts or baked [goods]. Anything like that.”

Leahy says each vendor space will cost $25 for the day. In addition, the pub will be open around noon for families to have lunch and minors are allowed in the restaurant until 8 p.m.

“There’s literally something for everybody, no matter what, no matter what your taste is for your animals or products,” said Leahy.

The cash-only event is free to attend and takes place on May 3rd at the pub at 12984 Jackfish Frontage Road in Charlie Lake from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Further details and how to register can be found on the Historic Red Barn Pub and Grill’s website.

The 2025 federal election is happening on April 28th. Let us know what topics are most important to you for the Prince George – Peace River – Northern Rockies riding by taking our survey at https://energeticcity.ca/election