FERGUS – St. James Anglican Church is holding a Handmade Market, barbecue, and Silent Auction for Canada Day.
The market will run from 10am to 4pm July 1 at the church location. Office administrator Melanie Patterson is behind this event, the first of its kind for St. James Anglican Church.
New to the role, “I wanted to do something that’s down my alley,” said Patterson, adding she is a handmade vendor herself, selling signs from salvaged materials.
“As a vendor, I’m really excited,” she added.
The idea behind the event is that everything sold is handmade, whether that’s jewellery, dog clothes, or mugs, to name a few items that will be included.
Patterson mentioned there has been speculation on making the market an annual event if it does well.
She emphasized the market has a great location. Vendors will be both inside the building, and outside in the church’s butterfly garden. With tables inside the building having total protection from the elements, and outside being next to the Grand River, there is no bad location, officials say.
The outdoor booths will be covered by a tent, so “rain or shine,” the market is on.
Patterson added a number of vendors have expressed their excitement, anticipating a fun, in-person event after not being able to run any for so long during the pandemic.
A few indoor booths are still available for rent. Local artists, artisans and crafters interested in participating can register by contacting 519-843-2141, or st.jameschurch@wightman.ca. It is $40 to rent a six inch table.
There is plenty to do at the market, places to sit, eat, and things to buy; all are welcome, said Patterson. Besides the market, there will be a silent auction running at the event as well. Items will include prints as well as a variety of other items.
In the morning, tea, coffee and baked goods will be available. The barbecue will start up around 11:30am and end around 2pm.
