NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER
Steve Pietens shows a group of Hatters his Practical Art Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 during the Fall Into Christmas market.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@MHNmocranker
While we’re just over halfway through October, Hatters were able to get an early start on their Christmas shopping at this weekend’s Fall Into Christmas Market.
The market ran all weekend at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede, with an estimated 10,000 people passing through to take a look at what the vendors had to offer.
“This is our 14th annual Signatures Fall Into Christmas Market,” said marketing co-ordinator Etienne Dale. “This year we’ve got 120 exhibitors from all over the country to show off their products and help people get some of their shopping done.”
Dale says a big draw to the event is to get to speak with people face-to-face about their products.
“It’s definitely what separates us from the big box stores or the online companies,” he said. “Being able to speak with the maker and hear the stories behind the product is something that can’t be replicated.”
Vendors attended the show from as far west as British Columbia and as far east as Quebec – but many were from here in Alberta.
“The handmade community here is thriving,” said Dale. “There’s so much talent in this province and some of that is on display at this show.”
While the Holiday season is still a month or two away, Dale says it is not too early to start thinking about buying some gifts.
“The Holidays are stressful,” he said. “Being able to cross names off the list in October is always a good thing and this event definitely offers unique gift opportunities.”
