Arcola's Craft & Trade Show hosted over 70 vendors and hundreds of shoppers on Saturday, Sept. 16 - and organizer Gwen Taylor says the annual event offers patrons a unique opportunity to discover the best products available from home-based businesses - whether products are handcrafted or manufactured by well-known retailers.
“That's why it's called the 'Arcola Craft & Trade Show',” says Taylor. “We've always combined vendors who sell one-of-a-kind craft items made by themselves with sellers who represent companies that have home-based representatives.”
This year, the Arcola event hosted vendors from throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
“We really try to give people variety - one vendor with us this year is Victor Zhao and his pop-up greeting cards,” says Taylor. “We've also got wooden signs, refurbished furniture, puzzle lights and more.”
“We have vendors from Manitoba, Estevan, Weyburn, Midale, Grayson, Macoun, Bienfait, Regina, Alameda, Stoughton, Carlyle, Glen Ewen, Oxbow, Redvers, White City and Arcola,” says Taylor. “We've reached the point where sometimes, we have to turn vendors away, due to space - the show just keeps growing.”
Vendor Bonny Campbell of Weyburn - who sells jewellery candles - says of the Arcola show: “Arcola is a fabulous show. I come every year and it's excellent – for both the shoppers and the vendors.”
“The first few shows were held in a smaller space,” says Taylor. “But as it grew, we started having our show and sale in the rink in Prairie Place, which is really appropriate, because all of our proceeds go to the Prairie Place Complex.”
“Gate proceeds, vendor table fees and the awesome lunch our kitchen ladies have prepared today all go back to this community facility,” says Taylor.
“It's a successful show, but it's still a laidback, enjoyable event and a great way to support our community.”
