With Christmas on the horizon, a pair of markets will give shoppers in Rocky View County (RVC) an opportunity to find thoughtful gifts for loved ones.
The 42nd annual Bragg Creek Artisans Christmas Sale takes place Nov. 16 and 17, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Bragg Creek Community Centre. According to Pamela Rogers, a member of Bragg Creek Artisans, the market is a “one-of-a-kind show that has true depth of community and Christmas spirit.”
“The Bragg Creek Artisans are not like a regular sale, where a bunch of people buy a table and then set up their stock,” she said. “The Bragg Creek Artisans are, in a sense, like a traditional guild.”
Throughout the year, Rogers said, the group gathers and supports each other as they hone their craftsmanship in a variety of art and craft mediums. The sale offers a broad selection of goods, she added, including pottery, jewelry, painting, fibre arts, woodworking and baking.
“When you come to our show, all of the things are handmade,” she said. “We are very strict that it has to be something that has been made or put together, so that it’s not import material. We want to show people what other people are capable of, and inspire them.”
The artisan group sets up the hall, which lends a degree of cohesion to the sale, she noted. Most participants will be present to explain how they made the piece. Soup will be also be available “for a nominal fee,” Rogers said, giving shoppers the chance at a quick lunch.
The longevity of the sale – which does not require attendees to pay an entry fee – has made it a bit of a local institution, she added.
“I think because it does have a different slant to it than most of the other little community fairs,” Rogers said. “The fact that we are all working together and we’re all friends, the whole year long, gives us a stronger foundation to ensure that this is carried forward.”
Meanwhile, the ninth annual Cochrane Christmas Market will take place Nov. 17, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m, at the Cochrane Ranchehouse.
“Our purpose is to provide a venue for people to showcase their wares, and we enjoy what we do,” said Judy Edge, who co-organizes the market with her daughter Roz Edge-Kossowan.
The Cochrane market will feature more than 100 tables of vendors, Edge said, offering a variety of items including jewelry, home décor, photography, bath products and food items.
“These vendors work all year long on their products,” she said. “They take pride in what they do, and this is an opportunity for them to showcase their work, be recognized. And of course, you know, it’s always nice to have that extra money.”
There will be a variety of entertainment, Edge added, including magic, juggling, a choir and a fiddler, and shoppers can also enjoy lunch or a snack from a food truck hired for the day. Santa Claus will be present, and shoppers are encouraged to bring a toonie and a camera to snap a picture of their children with St. Nick. Half the proceeds from the photos will go to the Cochrane and Area Humane Society.
Admission is $3, and shoppers are encouraged to bring a donation to the Cochrane Food Bank, as well.
Because parking at the venue is limited, Edge noted a complimentary shuttle service is offered to transport attendees from either the top of the hill or St. Timothy High School.
“It’s more than a Christmas market; it’s kind of a Christmas event,” she said. “All of our talent here is all local…so we’re promoting people in Cochrane.”
