St. Albert’s Country Craft Fair is one of those early Christmas bellwethers people are eager visit. It is a holiday shopping tradition and social gathering spot to reconnect with friends and spread seasonal cheer.
Organized by St. Albert Place Visual Arts Council, the fair highlights the works of close to 100 pottery, quilt and painting guild members, as well as 34 outside vendors who applied to sell their crafts.
Housed at St. Albert Place, the heritage fair meanders down hallways packed with vendor tables selling local, handmade items. They include everything from Christmas crafts, bath products, sewing, embroidery and leather products, to photography compositions, quilting, woodwork, spirits, food and more.
“This is even the first year we have dog treats,” said Sandra Camacho, vendor organizer. This is her third year as a volunteer organizer and she’s excited about the lineup and reasonable prices.
With inflation continuing unabated, Camacho said there is a price point for every income. Small items such as soap and candles might sell for $10, while high-end items such as jewelry, leather products, pet portraits, metal art and paintings may be in the $100 to $200 range because of artist costs.
“About 80 per cent are repeat vendors. They either make a living at craft fairs, are retired and enjoy the markets, or have a hobby they want to share,” Camacho said. ‘Some are looking to make connections for future projects.”
The high percentage of returnees suggests the Country Craft Fair is profitable for them.
“From what they’ve told me, I know they’re doing well. Some even sell out of things. A few vendors were disappointed. Maybe their price point was too high, or people weren’t looking for whatever they were selling. I’ve had quite a few vendors tell me this is the show they look forward to every year.”
In 2023, about 2,500 visitors attended the two-day event.
“We estimated about 1,500 attended on Saturday. They were lined up by 10 a.m. People were waiting to get in by 2 p.m. It was a sea of people up and down the hallways. Sunday tends to be a bit slower. It’s going to be Grey Cup Sunday, and it will be more relaxed. You don’t have to jockey for a position. But if you come Sunday, you might miss out on that one-of-a-kind thing you were looking for.”
Inside St. Albert Place’s first-floor pottery and painting studios, hundreds of crafts and fine arts will be on display for sale. St. Albert Potters Guild will display kiln-fired functional and decorative ceramics. St. Albert Quilters, known for their bright, colourful quilts in either geometric patterns or looser story-like settings will be draped alongside pleasing paintings from St. Albert Painters Guild.
“The calibre of products is excellent. It’s high-quality, reasonably priced and there’s something for everyone. Come to the craft fair and you can cross everyone off your Christmas list.”
There is no charge and outdoor parking is free. Country Craft Fair takes place at St. Albert Place on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
