More than 40 vendors are to join Court Street merchants at an open-air market Sunday on North Hamilton’s main shopping street.

The Court Street Market, to be held from 1pm until 6pm, will stretch from Victoria Street to Elliott Street.

That area will be pedestrianised for the event, and will be closed from 10am until 8pm.

The event is co-sponsored by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and the City of Hamilton, which said it has waived the rental fees for the closure of Court Street for the day and the associated vendor permit fees, totalling more than $3,500.

Entrepreneur Gary Augustus, who owns four businesses on Court Street, is one of the organisers of Sunday’s event.

He said: “This event was the idea of several Court Street merchants; we all got together and wanted to create an event which would be something different for Court Street and a way to increase foot traffic in the area.

“Although most of the vendors are from the Court Street area, many are also new entrepreneurs from other parts of the community.”

Mr Augustus added: “We want the customer to feel like they are doing a stroll on Venice beach or the boardwalk in New Jersey.”

He said many Court Street merchants are to take part in the event, a number of whom will also be setting up vendor tables.

Mr Augustus added that the market has attracted a variety of emerging entrepreneurs with Bermuda-made products who have been restricted to selling from home due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “They have been waiting for a market such as this. This market has given them the opportunity to showcase their product.”

Vendors will be selling swim suits, skin products, natural soaps, hair products, candles, hand bags, shoes, jewellery, baby clothes, crafts, men’s clothes, workout gear, and more.

Mr Augustus said: “We have one vendor doing roller skating.”

He said Court Street merchants and vendors taking part include Crazy Beautiful, Classy Cookies, Conscious Couture, Toxic Rose Boutique, Klassiq Kidz Boutique, She Rebels, Connections Boutique, Little Roads Bermuda, and Jamaican Grill.

The City said DJ Magnum will be on hand to provide musical entertainment while shoppers browse, adding that local eateries that typically close on Sundays will open for the event.

Mr Augustus said: “We want everyone to see what Court Street has to offer. So, people should come out and show support. Buy Bermuda and support the merchants in the North Hamilton area.”

Every $25-purchase at the event enters shoppers in a raffle for prizes, including a 65-inch Smart TV, a wicker patio set, beauty makeovers, a wireless printer, and gift certificates.

The draw will take place that afternoon and all prizes have been donated by local area merchants.

Shoppers also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite vendor of the day – based on set criteria including customer service and knowledge of goods. The vendor with the highest score will win $250.