Fall, Christmas & Winter Craft Shows

Summer sees a plethora of farmers markets, with an abundance of fresh produce, but the late summer and autumn markets tend to see preserves, crafts and less perishable goods. But, in Manitoba, artisans, crafters and hobbyists hit their stride with the rush of winter indoor markets and the iconic winter craft show.

These are the home-based businesses that provide the extra cash but have limited marketing reach without the craft shows. Still, the array and range of products that are on display is awesome.

For those that love knickknacks and ornaments, the craft shows reveal countless treasures. They also provide a wonderful day of treasure seeking and interaction. Many of the people who visit the shows encounter the same fellow shoppers again and again.

We recently introduced a new online marketplace for Manitoba crafters, hobbyists, home inventors and micro-businesses to promote those ventures. www.needtogetit.com simply is for Manitobans, on the shopper and vendor levels. While it is only a few days old, many people have responded very favourably.

But the winter craft shows reveal more than inventiveness and creativity. They reveal Manitoba hardiness and determination. Late November signals the start of a very unpredictable season. Towns near the lakes experience lake effect snow as early as mid-October. Icy roads and highways become the norm for a month or so. Cold permeates.

Yet, Manitobans travel 50 to 80 kilometers regularly, to attend the community dances, feast at Fall suppers and shop at winter markets. They do so without flinching. It is as if we are thumbing our noses at the worst that nature throws at us. In many cases, just for that $10 treasure, that last 16-step dance at 10:30 at night or that last bite of pumpkin pie.

So, we have included a little bit of help for you, as you search for your own personal treasure. We already have written about the Manitoba fall (fowl) suppers. So here are links to several great sites that promote the winter markets.

Find Your Favourite Winter Craft Show

1. Inspirations Market, Red River Exhibition Park https://www.inspirationsmarket.com/
2. Red River North (Interlake) Tourism Guide https://www.redrivernorthtourism.com/rrnt-guide-to-markets
3. Travel Manitoba Craft Sales https://www.travelmanitoba.com/blog/guide-to-manitoba-craft-sales/
4. Manitoba Craft Shows Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/Manitobacraftandtradeshows/
5. Scattered Seeds Craft & Trade Show https://www.thescatteredseeds.com/
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