For two local ladies, the idea of a year-round inclusive market has been extremely well received.

Raelle Rivoire and Jocelyn Flaherty are putting the finishing touches on their second two-day market which kicks off today (October 28) at 11 am. 

Due to the success of their first market in September, Rivoire, shares they had no problems filling the Lions Event Centre this weekend. "We have 85 vendors, and we had to start turning down vendors. We have absolutely everything you can think of."

From multi-level marketing businesses to artisans to mini makers, the Rustic Charm Market seems to be filling a void by providing a collaborative space for a variety of people to sell their wares. Flaherty, says there are a couple new additions to the market this weekend. "We did feedback from our vendors at our last event to see what we could do better and a lot of people said a zone for people to hang out and lounge and have food. So we have a concession area with all our food vendors with tables so people can sit down and eat their food there as well, we have food trucks outside."

Canada's First Portable Playground will also be debuted at the market as well as Bright and Beaming face painting and instrument petting zoo are being added to keep youngsters busy. Kids are welcome to dress up and trick or treat at the vendor tables in anticipation of Halloween. 

Rivoire and Flaherty are thrilled to see their idea not only come to life but really take off. "We turned down a ton of vendors and we've already almost booked up our November market as well, and we're halfway full for the two December markets. We're excited to do something good for Cochrane that gives everyone a chance, where everybody's allowed to join." 

With sellers coming from Cochrane, Airdrie, Bragg Creek and other smaller communities, Flaherty says they are getting many from places where local Farmers Markets have ended their season. "We are getting vendors from all the other markets that closed their doors for summer they are all coming inside to do our market."

While there is no admission charge to enter the market, the ladies encourage people to donate. Rustic Charm allows many fundraising groups to participate and all proceeds from the market and raffle draws are split among the groups, the Septemeber market managed to raise over $2200.

The Rustic Charm Market runs today at the Lions Event Centre from 11 am- 4 pm and tomorrow from 10 am- 3 pm.