Court Street was alive with street vendors, residents and visitors this afternoon for the first North Hamilton street fair of the year.

More than 40 retailers and entrepreneurs set up stalls selling everything from designer bags and essential oils to fabrics and home made cookies.

The street was closed to motorised traffic, allowing residents and tourists to meander among the colourful displays of items on sale, while music played through a very effective sound system kept the street party atmosphere pumping.

Event organiser Gary Augustus, who owns the Soul Food Grill and Cafe on Court Street, hailed the event a success.

He said: “It started off slowly but has picked up as always — I’m just thankful that the rain held off.

“We do have some new vendors this year, along with regulars. It’s very much a mix of people who are retailers with their own premises and young entrepreneurs who are just starting up and trying to get out there.

“I think today is important for those people — the young ones who don’t have bricks-and-mortar stores but are trying everything to make a name for themselves and get themselves known.

“It a great opportunity for them to come here and express themselves, meet customers, and just enjoy the day.”

Jennifer Brimmer, a counsellor for the Corporation of Hamilton who owns BKS Wholesale & Liquors on nearby Union Street, agreed.

Ms Brimmer, who was handing out raffle tickets to customers who had spent more than $25 at the fair, said: “It’s excellent because it gives people a chance to show their wares.

“But it’s not just about the small businesses. It’s an occasion when everyone can come over to Court Street and do some one-stop shopping. There’s so much variety here.”

Shabrique Hendrickson, who makes and sells her own crochet clothing at Hooked Bysarz, said that she usually promotes her business through social media.

“But this is a great chance to get out and meet people and see customers face-to-face,” she said.

Mr Augustus said that more street fairs will be held through the summer, and there will also be two events in the run-up to Christmas.