For the past 39 years, visitors and artisans have enjoyed coming to the annual Thorold Art and Craft Show which is scheduled to run again on Saturday, April 28, from 10 am to 4pm. As a volunteer team prepares for the 40th annual community event, 70 vendors from across Ontario are slated to fill the Thorold Arena on Front Street, North.
“It’s an opportunity to spend time shopping for and enjoying the multitude and variety of creative items offered by local Artisans,” says the show organizer Cathy Henderson.
Over the years, the annual event has moved to different venues including indoor shows in the arena as well as the outdoor experience in the Battle of Beaverdams Park.
“The positive aspect of an indoor show is eliminating the impact that weather such as wind, rain and intense heat has on an outdoor event. If there is a less than positive aspect to an indoor event it would be the difference in the atmosphere created by fresh air, sunshine and contact with nature outside,” opines Cathy.
As a popular local attraction, the event has gained loyal fans that keep on coming back to express their appreciation of the unique creations presented by artisans.
“As a local attraction, it’s special because it has been running successfully for 40 years. Part of the unique aspect is an effort to introduce new creations and artisans to the show annually,” she adds.
Actually, the spring production inspired the community to also produce a popular Christmas Show that draws a few more people as it is held in November in the gifting and festive season. Looks like Thorold is shaping up to be a hot spot for artisans and their fans who appreciate authentic artwork and creative crafts with a personal touch.
Of course, it takes a team of volunteers to help produce a successful community event as we can see at Thorold Art and Craft Show. For instance, a group of about fifteen volunteers work the day of the show as reception staff at the entrance gate. This includes Thorold Community Activities Group Board members plus ‘friends’ of the TCAG. There is a volunteer group of students who help with set up, all day Friday (9 to 6), plus all day Saturday (7 to 5). TCAG staff also assist Cathy with setting up the arena 3 and 4 days in advance of the event. As the 40th annual presentation of the show, Cathy Henderson has been the lead event planner for 39 of those years.
The TCAG has been the Charity sponsor of the Thorold Art and Craft Show for about the past 26 years.
“The event nets proceeds which are much needed to offer the expanded schedule of programs at the TCAG for children, youth, adults families and seniors. We have increased our program base by 300 percent in the past 24 months. The event also offers a unique opportunity for the TCAG to serve individuals who otherwise would not necessarily participate in our programs. We will be featuring program demonstrations, by a select number of our Program Instructors. We also extend an invitation to a select number of Community Organizations to provide displays at the event, as a service to the community.”
Dan Pelletier, Executive Director, Thorold Community Activities Group
Artisans in Thorold Art | Craft Show, Spring 2018
Alicia’s Designs
Applecreek Country Market
Arts in Paradise
beadKRap
Beau Cadeau
Bench Artisans
Boxcutter Bows
Card Creations by Karen
Cathy’s Crystal
Century Lane Casting
Cindy’s Crafts
Colours By Wood
Country Creations
Crafty Chick
Cute ‘n Cozy Crochet by Catherine
De-Liz-cious! Treats
Endless Pawzabilities
Eunice Postma
Everything Nice
Feeder Soap and Essentials
Fenwick Trunks & Barn Board
Forget Me Nots
Funky Monkey Embroidery
Garden Bling & Things
Glass Animal Creations
Grace Street Creations
Hooked by Niki
Infusion Tea
Knit 4 You . ca
Kreanz Canada
Lady Anne’s Closet
Lathey Turnings
Laura Dunphy Magnetics
Little Town Crafts
Looner Creations
L S Designs
Lynda Semley Wreaths
Marg’s Stitchery
Mr. Wood Burn
Munching Monster Chewlery
Natural Soapery
One of a Kind
Opa’s Workshop
Paastime Crafts
Photo Chalkboards
Play It Again Purses . . .By Patricia
Quilts and Creations
Rachel Joy VanRooyen Hand Crafted
Rosanne’s Weaving
Simply Stitches
Sing Little Sparrow
Smock – It
Sophisticated Steel
Stand Out In Style
Stationery Treats
String It Up
Sweet … by Nature!
Swimming Fox Studio
The French Laundry
The Chocolate House
The Strudel Lady
Time Out Dolls
Tray Moi
Tuscany Concrete by Design
Under The Divi
Unique Craft
Wee Bee House
Wood Creations
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