Sookarama Returns Saturday, April 26 with 90 Exhibitors at SEAPARC

The Sooke Lions Club, in partnership with the District of Sooke, invites residents to connect with neighbours, discover local talent, and support small businesses at Sookarama 2025, taking place Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at SEAPARC Arena (2169 Phillips Road). Admission is free.

Sookarama offers a vibrant, family-friendly setting for community groups, makers, and entrepreneurs to share their goods, services, and stories. With 90 exhibitors confirmed, attendees can expect a wide variety of vendor booths, local food options, and opportunities to learn more about what’s happening in the region — all under one roof.

The Sooke Rotary Club Auction will be running alongside Sookarama, adding another exciting way for attendees to support the community and local causes.

“This is a quintessentially Sooke event — grassroots, volunteer-driven and deeply local,” says Deputy Mayor Jeff Bateman. “Sookarama provides a window into the people and enterprises that make our community tick. Whether you’re discovering a new local business or chatting with a non-profit about their work, it’s a rewarding and very Sooke way to spend a Saturday.”

The event is coordinated by the Sooke Lions Club with support from the District of Sooke.

“Sookarama supports our goals of fostering a resilient, diverse local economy,” says Gail Scott, Community Economic Development Officer with the District of Sooke. “It’s an accessible, low-barrier opportunity for small business operators, home based businesses, and industry associations to get in front of the community, test new ideas, share information and build their customer base. And for attendees, it’s a fun way to explore the creativity and resourcefulness of our local entrepreneurial business hub.”

For the Sooke Lions, the event is a continuation of their long-standing commitment to local service. “Our club has always been about supporting the community in practical, hands-on ways,” says Danny Willis, President of the Sooke Lions Club. “Sookarama is one of those opportunities to bring people together, support local business, and celebrate what makes Sooke such a special place to live.”

For more information, visit sookelions.com/sookarama.

Also happening in Sooke on April 26:

Celebrate sustainability and community at the Sooke Earth Day Celebration, taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beside Fire Station One on Otter Point Road alongside the Opening Day of the Sooke Country Market. Parking for the Earth Day Celebration and Sooke Country Market is available at Sooke Municipal Hall and John Phillips Memorial Park. Alternative modes of transportation always encouraged.

This initiative aligns with Action 2.1 of the Community Economic Development (CED) Strategy, which focuses on supporting existing businesses and organizations to grow, thrive, and create jobs in Sooke. By providing a platform for local businesses to showcase their products and services, Sookarama fosters business growth and community engagement.