The Alberta Dames Modern Vintage Market is hoping for a big turnout June 2, where attendees can expect to find one of a kind, handmade items from local vendors. Through their 11 markets, organizers Jenny Pyykonen and Annie Kelly want to help business owners and attendees “get their fun back” by exploring and sharing the work of small, passionate vendors. “What makes us different is that every one of our vendors makes a new product or launches something new for our market,” Pyykonen said. Vendors at the Dames Market sell anything from antique furniture, to handmade jewelry. Pyykonen recalled a couple who made home décor items from metal, who asked about taking part in the market. Encouraged to do so, their booth was nearly sold out by the end of the day. The husband, a welder, was out of work at the time, and Pyykonen said he was nearly in tears from disbelief that people wanted their work. “What’s growing is that people want to support that small, local,” Pyykonen said. “They want to know their money is going to that family, that it’s helping them and their kids, instead of just buying something at a big-box store.” She added many of the vendors from the first market have already outgrown the Dames Market in size. With around 50 to 60 per cent returning vendors, Pyykonen said the market to rotates in fresh sellers – people, she said, who “light up when they talk about their product.” “We evolve and change with every show, because we go by what we think the people want,” Pyykonen said. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cochrane Curling Club. Early bird tickets are $20 and allow attendees into the market at 9 a.m. Regular admission is $5, and the first 50 people in line will get in free. Pyykonen and Kelly will also be giving away two $500 shopping sprees to those who enter their names at the door. More than 60 vendors, both indoor and outdoor, will be available, including Pyykonen’s Ava Blake Creations, and Kelly’s Cougar Chic Décor. Food trucks will also be serving handmade burgers, vegan cookie dough and more. More information can be found at their website, albertadames.ca, or the Alberta Dames Facebook page.
