Festival markets support entrepreneurship and culture

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on August 23, 2024.

As people made their way to and from the midway at they had the chance to check out vendors from all around southern Alberta at the Whoop-Up Days Marketplace. 
The marketplace offers everything from crystals to collectable and even hot tubs and saunas. 
The first two days were slower for the market, however it seemed to be picking up by Thursday afternoon. 
John Rockefellow, owner of Rocky Top Designs, says while it’s been slower than other markets it has been fun getting to meet new people 
“It’s been a little slow in comparison to some of the markets we go to, but met a lot of really cool people,” he said. 
Rockefellow empathized with the exhibition saying the way the building is set up its hard to find a balance and place for everything. 
“Like any facility, its always hard to find a balance between where the rodeo is, where the major events are and find a facility close that people have to go by. It’s an incredible building. We just have to figure out a way to get more people here to know we’re here, instead of just heading to the rodeo or heading to the fairgrounds. 
While some vendors found it slow, others such as Vanessa Crucial from Crucial Crafts and design, were already more successful than last year. 
“(It’s been) really good. I’m not complaining, I beat last year’s sales,” said Crucial. 
The marketplace wasn’t the only spot people could support local entrepreneurs. 
The Siksikaisitapi Powwow which was held Tuesday and Wednesday had a market as well, where Indigenous vendors could showcase their culture through handmade items. 
Melrene Saloy, with Authentically Indigenous says it was an honour to be able to share her culture, especially at Whoop-Up Days. She added it was a great opportunity to promote reconciliation to non-Indigenous people.
 “It really shows inclusivity and it really helps us open the dialog to really be able to break down stereotypes and really be a part of reconciliation. It helps people to have appreciation over appropriation and making it in their face so they can see what it really looks like. A lot of times people hear it, but they don’t see it.”
 While the powwow ended Thursday, the marketplace runs everyday until Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is located in the DA Steal Hall in the Agri-Food Hub.

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