With the incredible buzz of excitement being set at Homespun in Carlyle, it might have been easy to overlook the trade and craft show going on just a few miles down the road in Arcola. However, the synchronicity in timing was planned right from the start, with the express desire that some of the crowds from Carlyle might find their way into the smaller show in the smaller town.
Indeed the show was much smaller, and the pace was far more relaxed. The two shows were as different as night is from day, but for some of the people that was actually the appeal of Arcola.
There were 28 exhibitors at the show this year, offering a large variety of goods and services. A quick scan around the hall revealed magnetic jewellery, skin care, rubber boots, woodwork, wrinkle-free shirts, and ornamental knives. Old-time names like Watkins and Tupperware were also represented, and at the end of one row an author was busy chatting with some of her readers.
One of the organizers of this year's event was Gwen Taylor. Between serving people at her own booth, selling magnetic jewellery, she explained "I started sending out applications to businesses earlier this year, and many of the past exhibitors came back from last year's show." She retrieved a list of vendors and started reading the locations they represented; they included Alameda, Wawota, Stoughton, Redvers, Estevan, Kipling, Moosomin and Regina.
One exhibitor was JoAnne Howard who offers laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation. "I worked for 19 years with Canada Customs" she explained, "but I got into this because of my own desire to find something to remove those annoying hairs on my chin!" Indeed, there are no hairs on her youthful face now.
Another vendor was freelance journalist, Sylvia MacBean, a regular contributor to Leader-Post. She was showing mini-pleat polyester/spandex shirts. "You can throw them in a suitcase and they will not wrinkle" she explained. Their colours were spectacular, as was their pristine appearance despite being hauled in a case.
Eldon Piper was wearing a wooden tie that looked like a saw. It was unique and attention-getting. "I made it myself!" he said, and that was all it took to get people over to his wood craft booth. There, an amazing variety of objects was on display, from ornamental pen-holders to seasonal decorations. "I'm a real scrounger" he explained with a laugh, "I find lumber and materials everywhere." He's also very talented, and shows great skill and imagination in his creations. "I do this for fun" he continued, "When it stops being fun I will find something else to do."
In the middle of the hall, a good number of people were sitting at tables, enjoying tea, coffee and various refreshments. The money was going to the upkeep of the hall, as were the fees for the tables at the show. Typically, the event raises around $1200 each year.
The show is being planned to coincide with Homespun again in 2012. It may be smaller and slower, but it is worth the drive to Arcola, so make a note of it on your calendars for next year.
