3 minute read
Christmas Home Business and Makers Market
Christmas Home Business and Makers Market
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Everything was under one roof when around 400 attendees searched for a specialized gift idea at the 20th Anniversary of this market.
This sale was hosted at various venues over the years and was at the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville Centre on November 16.
Organizer Jennifer Hladilo, a vendor for Pampered Chef was also behind the table of Busy Buddy Creative Crafts which had a variety of handmade items created by Hladilo and some of her friends.
Hladilo expressed that this sale event is unique because they have commercial and craft vendors. They have a core of regular favourite vendors and always something new! They have giveaways, door prizes, free coffee and donuts, and they don’t charge admission.
Hladilo expressed that they partnered with the Vegreville Farmers' Market and have become so popular due to all the community support! “We love being here for everyone so they can gather, shop and visit. The community has made it as fun and successful as it is! And we look forward to many more!”
There were new and long-standing independent entrepreneurs at this sale.
Charlene Melenka was a new vendor selling CMAE Artisanal Soaper, Glacier Handcrafted Soap. “These products are hand-crafted, small-batch soap and bath products. I use high-quality ingredients. The recipes change as I formulate better and better.”
Nancy Makowecki, one of the organizers years ago and a vendor for Mary Kay products, admitted that she wanted a sale like this for home business owners because it was a way to have all the vendors in one spot. “It was hard to get the word out there because there wasn’t any internet when we started. I have been successful because I sell a well-known and good product.”
Over the years, the number of vendors and attendees has increased.”
Another vendor, Marlene Giebelhaus said she first started selling when this market opened 20 years ago. “More people are doing the home-based business now. The attendance depends on the weather and other factors. Other sales are going on but this is the only one with a lot of commercial stuff. All the other sales are different so we complement each other.
Susan Banack from ‘Sew Much Fun’ has been selling at this sale for years and stated that this year they have been busier than normal.
There was also lunch available to purchase and a concession stand by Sunshine Café.
