According to feedback from those in attendance at the Crafty Christmas Trade Show and Market held on November 18 at the Canora Rainbow Hall, the event met or exceeded all expectations, said Candace Doogan, organizer.
Approximately 250 to 300 people attended the trade show portion of the event early in the day, and took their time inspecting the products on display by vendors at 31 tables, which was pretty much the maximum the space could handle, according to Doogan.
The event has been held in December in previous years, but Doogan said the November date seems to be a hit with those attending the show. It appears to be early enough that people haven’t done a lot of Christmas shopping yet, and the weather still wasn’t too cold.
Doogan said there were about 20 new vendors from last year, which is an effort on her part to give repeat customers a good selection of new products each year.
As in past years, Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance, and brought smiles to many faces whether they were wandering around speaking to vendors or welcoming young children to sit on Santa’s knee.
Doogan said a newcomer this year was Santa’s helper Elfie the elf, who “seemed to be popular with everyone, no matter how old or young.”
After the trade show, about 45 women stayed for the craft fair portion of the day,
put on by Flipping Fashions from Kelvington, which brought all supplies.
The participants create art out of wood, with the choices being a tree, a snowman or a sleigh. Included was an appetizer supper, sponsored by Candy’s Catering, during which there was time for the paint to dry.
Doogan said many indicated they wanted to sign up for next year’s event, which is already in the planning stages.
The feedback was very encouraging, with some calling it “the best show they’ve seen,” said Doogan.
The list of vendors included: Robin Falkowski of Springside with G & R Custom Creations; Athena Greba of Canora with Seacret; Michelle Schneider of Canora with Watkins; Elly Carlson of Canora with Jamberry; Rashele Wasylenchuk of Yorkton with BR Honey; Sherry Joanette of Preeceville with Tied up in Knots Crafts; Candace Doogan of Canora with Candy’s Catering and Steeped Tea; Nancy Tratch of Canora with Handmade Bracelets; Grace Davis of Canora with Creations by Grace; Sara Rozema of Kamsack with Sweetlegs; Marcella Davis of Yorkton with Carpe Diem Art; Marie Kupchinski of Buchanan with Mary Kay; Megan Strauss of Togo with Alchemist’s Circle Gifts; Sandy Bedore of Kamsack with Discovery Toys; Jenna Campbell and Sandy Bedore of Kamsack with Custom Vinyl Creations; Lorie Wasyliw of Canora with Avon; Heather Wiebe of Buchanan with Pampered Chef; Kyla Leis-Mines of Runnymede with Rada Cutlery; Crystal Ternary of Kamsack with Essential Oils; Cindy McGregor of Kamsack with Tupperware; Danielle Couto of Canora with Momma’s Homemade; Nancy Logan of Canora Beach with Buckle up Bags; Taylor Thompson of Preeceville with Tiber; Tammy Appleton of Yorkton with Thirty-One; Shauna Rakochy of Canora with Lipsense; Mavis Watson of Canora with Filling the Gap Food Bank; Debbie Banks of Springside with Sunset Gourmet; AnnaLee Parnetta of Kamsack with Costume Lady; Anna Schaab of Yorkton with Garlic Garden; and Kristy Ostafie of Moosomin with #Shucks Pearls.
Proceeds, both monetary and non-perishable food products, were donated to Filling the Gap Food Bank, which is especially in need of support during the Christmas season, said Doogan.
