The volunteer organizers of the 2018 Madawaska Artisan Festival held at the Barry’s Bay Railway Station were pleased to see a mix of veteran and new artisans on July 14. Vendors said they heard about the show in different ways – email, telephone or just plain grapevine – and thanks to some committed helpers the word travelled far and fast. Volunteer Kelly Klinck and CAO Sue Klatt worked together to organize this year’s event. Klinck said,
I think we’re both delighted at the turn out and the response. We’ve got eighteen vendors, which has filled up the Park nicely. There’s a good variety and everybody’s happy to be here.
Clockwise from top left: Valley Market Samosa, CRC spinning demonstration, Dexter & Serena, Mayor Kim Love Photos: Sharon Gardiner
Klatt also seemed happy with the event and referred to some new vendors from the area saying,
We’ve drawn out some new local talent.
Community Resource Centre in Killaloe brought spinning wheels to demonstrate how sheep fleece is transformed into yarn. In addition to the spinning, visitors were treated to a paint pouring demo from Amanita and book folding under the guidance of Helen Benn of Perfectly Imperfect Perfection (PIP) Craft Café.
Clockwise from top left: Hollow Clayworks, Golden Lake Rustics, Ken Ramsden, Wired Gems by M, Amanita
Hungry visitors could enjoy on-site lemonade, kettle corn and Caribbean snacks. Artisans were delighted to find that volunteers from the Seniors Centre Fish Fry visited to take their orders early in the morning and then delivered at lunch time.
Musical entertainment was available throughout the day. Young fiddlers Dexter & Serena performed and stepdanced in the morning. Ken Ramsden played during the afternoon.
The organizers thanked all the vendors for their participation. In particular, each artisan was asked to give feedback so that organizers could pass on any tips to staff in preparation for next year’s event.
A big thank you to Kelly Klinck who rose to the challenge and organized the event. The vendors featured were excellent. The entertainment showcased our local talent. Looking forward to future Festivals.
Considering that Anya was not there 🙁 and that the Festival was cancelled, I think it was a fine show. The Vendors that were there had unique, one-of-a-kind items for sale; items I haven’t seen anywhere else. I’m sure it was a challenge to get Vendors on such short notice, but to the Vendors that did manage to set up booths, thank you for coming. To the organizers who actually pulled it off, your efforts are much appreciated. Next year, I’m hoping there will be more time to plan and organize such an Event. Maybe even a two-day Artisan Festival!? The ladies in the crowd, need more time to try on Hats! ‘HATTITUDES’!! Love that booth!!
If Anya had been involved it would have been a lot better.
It was just Ok .