The quiet town of Battleford became a bit quieter last summer. The Saskatchewan Handcraft Council brought to an end more than 40 years of history with a decision to no longer host the Saskatchewan Handcraft Festival in Battleford.
The SCC board cited declining vendors and attendance, a situation that may have roots in an earlier decision to withdraw the Dimensions juried craft show from the festival. The juried show, with its coveted Premier’s Prize, was a highlight of the event until it was withdrawn in 2003.
With that draw no longer on the agenda, what used to be a busy weekend in Battleford gradually dwindled to become a one-day affair last year, featuring a Friday night parade and fireworks.
According to the SCC the Saskatchewan Handcraft Festival was the first of its kind in the province when it was launched in 1973. Today, “there are multiple markets all across the province,” the board states on the SCC website.
One enterprising former SHF vendor has been working over the past year to ensure one of those multiple venues is once-again based in the Battlefords.
Long-time exhibitors Randy and Sharon Cross of the Marmora, Ont. area had already assembled inventory for the Battleford event when they were advised of the festival’s demise.
“Sharon and I have been coming to the summer craft show for many years and were very disappointed that it was cancelled,” says Randy.
“We love the Battlefords area and love being here.”
They made the trip to the Battlefords last summer anyway, setting up shop in the Discovery Co-op Mall. While here, drawing on 29 years of experience organizing a show in Peterborough, Ont., they scouted around, made inquiries and laid the framework for a new handcraft market venue.
Out of their efforts the Battlefords Treasure Craft Show was born. Getting a jump on the summer festival season, the market will be hosted at the Northland Curling Centre this weekend.
Featuring 31 vendors in a spacious and comfortable venue, former handcraft festival fans will find treasures by familiar artisans such as Gordon Munn and favourite products such as unique clothing produced by Anna-Marie Clothing Collection and S. Cross Creations by Sharon Cross.
Eva Scott, a perennial favourite based in North Battleford, will offer up her Scotts Yarn Crafts. Extraordinary Light by Brent Parkin is another popular vendor returning to the Battlefords. Parkin’s fine-art photography features scenes from Utah, Arizona, the Canadian Rockies, Wyoming and Montana.
Visitors to the show will find other familiar artisans as well as 25 new to the Battlefords. Featured will be a wide range of items from artwork and jewelry to candles and handcrafted personal care products.
To get a taste of what the Battlefords Treasures Craft Show will offer, visit their colourful and informative website at https://www.battlefordstreasures.com/ or find the link on the News-Optimist Facebook page.
The show is open Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thumbs up to all taking part and to those working behind the scenes to organize the event. Perhaps the SCC will take notice that the Battlefords is still an important venue for craft marketers.
