Despite stormy weather on Friday that had most vendors disassembling their tables at the Merritt street festival, the event was an overall success, says the Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce executive director.

Heather Fader said while the weather was disappointing on Friday, Saturday was much improved – though the number of vendors was fewer than hoped for at “Street Fest – Shopping with the Nicola Valley Stars.”

“I have to meet with the board, so I can’t say for sure, but we’re looking to do it again and hopefully be able to grow it,” Fader said. “If Mountainfest is here [next year], then we’ll be looking to see whether we want to run it the same dates [as done in previous years].”

Some people meandered down the streets on Friday, but there were noticeably more on Saturday when the weather cleared.

Approximately 20 vendors participated, with 10 owners indicating they wanted to participate, but didn’t show.

“It left the streets looking a little sparse, but it worked out because people were walking into the actual stores,” Fader said. “From the business that I had a chance to talk to, they felt it was still successful because it generated traffic.”

Quilchena Avenue, Garcia Street and Granite Avenue showcased the vendors who sold bannock, ice cream, records, comics and various other merchandise and services.

Stephanie Davies, owner of Oasis Natural Health, a new company in Merritt, said she is optimistically looking forward to next year.

“It was great and we’re hoping to get a lot of support from the community next year,” she said. “It could have used a few more vendors, but as far as the number of people that went through, I thought it went very well.”

Davies said the festival is the ideal opportunity to present business to the public.

“I wanted to be able to get some exposure and let people know what I do,” she said. “I did get that result.”

Due to the cancellation of the Merritt Mountain Music Festival, the Chamber lowered the stall sizes and prices to encourage participation.

The street mall was cancelled in 2010, along with Mountainfest, but a similar version of the event was ongoing from the mid-1990s.

The festival also featured musical and comedy performances at Spirit Square and then at the Merritt Culture Club for a wrap party.