The Forum public fall into three main categories. First there are those browsers who feel it compulsory on a trip to the fair, to at least wander through the building soaking up some of it’s unique ambiance, and in the process perhaps discover something really unique and indulge in an impulse buy. Then there are the great number of repeat customers who seize the opportunityeach year to replenish their stock of unique items which they have found to be indispensable and are either cheaper and/or only available at the PNE.

Finally there are those who find themselves there by some mistake or error of judgement, perhaps they are on a short cut to somewhere else, or to indulge a friend or to escape a downpour (this is, after all, Vancouver). Finding the whole exercise distasteful, they make a beeline for the nearest exit.

The vendors themselves often know each other from previous events, here and elsewhere. They might from one year to the next, switch from product to product, this year selling “Speed Cleaner,” next year ? “Magic Pads.” Often it is a family affair. In order for me to make contact with the person who I photographed selling Floral Gel last year, I was directed to her mother who was pitching for the Ginzu knife.