A local promoter has brought together a multi-faceted trade show that will have something to entice every member of the family, she said.
Maria Pais-Martins, event creator and manager, has been working to bring 105 different vendors to the Abbey Centre this weekend. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, a multitude of vendors will take over the Centre, with goods varying from home-baked goods, to handmade jewellery and everything in between.
The event is free of admission charge.
“We have probably 60 per cent handcrafted goods and maybe 40 per cent commercial home-based businesses. It’s a great support to all the moms and dads who work hard to create these goods,” said Pais-Martins.
The show has a family friendly aspect, organizers said. Elsa and Olaf from Disney’s Frozen will be making appearances in the afternoon of both event days. The characters will be available for photos for kids at no charge.
Elsa will pay her visit during the hours of 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Olaf will be at the show Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Kids can also play in the Abbey Centre play area that boasts as being one of the tallest indoor play centres in all of Canada.
Pais-Martins has also brought in Red Deer local organization Momstown to host a craft corner for kids as part of the trade show.
A colouring contest will also take place with prizes for each age-group winner.
The fi rst 150 guests of the event will also receive free swag bags with items from vendors included in the giveaway.
“Blackfalds is a fast growing community. We have a lot of young families; a lot of small children so I know this is the buzz right now.
“It’s a great way for people to meet. With the market this year, it was such a great meeting place and I know that this weekend will be just like that,” said Pais-Martins.
“It’s a place for people to go – they don’t even have to buy anything, but it’s a great way to get out and say hi to your friends and meet your neighbours. It’s the time of year where you just want to be together and spend time with everyone.”
The Blackfalds Food Bank will be at the trade show collecting donations for their cause. Each person who contributes to the food bank will be entered to win a special draw of a gift basket. One basket will be given away each day.
The trade show will also include a chance for guests to win a handcrafted wire tree made by a local jewellery designer. Pais-Martins described the tree as, “Just beautifully crafted – it’s got little Christmas decorations on it and is a great feature of this event.”
Vendors are able to participate in their own 50/50 draw, where half of the proceeds will go to a chosen winner and the other half to the Blackfalds Food Bank.