Dakota and Carrie Lee of Okotoks' Davenport's Tasty Sensation set up at the Medicine Hat Exhibit and Stampede Fieldhouse for the Fall Into Christmas Craft Show this weekend.--NEWS PHOTO JEREMY APPEL
Medicine Hat News
The Hat’s 12th annual Fall Into Christmas Craft Show kicks off today at the Exhibition and Stampede Fieldhouse.
Part of a national series of shows across 12 cities from coast to coast, the event offers handmade goods for sale from various artists, artisans and designers.
“In the last couple of years we’ve seen an exponential increase in our attendance,” said Etienne Dale, communications manager for Signature Shows, which puts on the series. “The handmade community in Alberta is just thriving right now.”
Dale said we’re in the midst of a “handmade revolution,” of which the Craft Show is an integral part.
As the name suggests, the show is meant to serve as a beginning to the holiday season.
“We understand it’s still early in the game to cross some names of your shopping list, but at the same time it’s kind of a good kick start to the shopping season,” he said.
“The show has something for anyone. It’s really a pretty astounding assortment of things that we gather.
“It ranges from clothing and fashion accessories to jewelry and stuff like home decor and pottery, a lot of wood workers, metal workers, glass work, and then toys for the goods and gourmet foods as well.”
With artisans representing seven different provinces, Dale likened the show to a “craft show circus.”
“They bounce from one city to the next every single weekend from now until Christmas. It’s really a one of a kind cultural phenomenon.”
The show goes from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Those interested in attending can purchase tickets for $5 at the box office or online at http://www.fallintochristmas.com. Admission is free for everyone under 18.
