Edmonton’s most popular market delivers more than unique local gifts

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As the world around us has shrunk in the pandemic, many have embraced a local, community-focused, even DIY mindset. For Edmonton creators and small business owners, this ethos has long been a way of life and is central to his two upcoming holiday markets.

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The Royal Bison Art and Craft Fair has been supporting local makers for 15 years and inspiring artists of all kinds at the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Center (8426 Gateway Blvd.).

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The vendor-run market is loved for being curated and started by Edmonton-based illustrator Raymond Biesinger. Judges review hundreds of applications each season. The holiday market runs over his two weekends, November 25-27 and December 2-4, with the third weekend being the spring market.

“Shop locally. Skip the mall,” says Vikki Wiercinski, one of the seven organizers.

Royal Bison has long been a favorite with loyal patrons because it’s held reliably in the same space and features some of the same popular vendors on a regular basis. But it changes with the seasons by continually introducing new local artists and designers. and newcomers such as the studio collective Kindred Pots, a group of potters creating fun and funky pieces.

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Traditional performing arts become a trend

These makers are part of a trend Wiercinski has seen over the last few years as creatives rethink traditional media.

“The pottery is really – pardon the pun – now it’s on fire,” says Wiercinski. “It’s what the funky aunties used to do in the ’70s. Now a lot of these old or maybe obsolete craft mediums are having this crazy renaissance.”

She sees accessibility as part of the emerging interest, as studios for mediums such as stained glass and ceramics grow in the city.

“These are things that are hard to make at home,” she says. “You have to learn from someone. You have to work in a studio space.

“These more focused crafts are being revived and reinterpreted in this new, contemporary way.”

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Like many events, the Royal Bison has been held online for several years. Without physical space constraints, organizers were able to showcase approximately 100 vendors in each market. Among them was a vendor from as far away as British Columbia. That aspect of the online market has been an advantage, but organizers and patrons are happy to be back in person.

“Royal Bison values ​​community, face-to-face and neighborly encounters. says Wiercinski. “We are working with community connections. increase.”

Fort Edmonton Park lit up

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The Edmonton Christmas Market will also return to full capacity. In 2019, he started at ATB Place, and the last few years were humble until he moved to the Army and Navy the following year. Nearly 13,000 people attended last holiday season at his five-day pilot event at Fort Edmonton Park.

Hosted by Public Food Hub Co., responsible for the 124 Grand Market, the holiday market will run for three weeks this year. Last year’s event was limited to spaces in the middle, but this season the market has expanded to his 40% of the park, and organizers hope his 50,000 will get through the gates.

“Fort Edmonton Park has always been a dream venue,” says co-founder Kirsta Franke.

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The site usually lies dormant during the freezing winter months, but the period building lends a nostalgic feel to outdoor holiday events, including more than just retail.

The airport hangar houses more than 120 revolving vendors, offering locally crafted goods ranging from Prairie Poly and Smithtin Copper jewelery to Strathcona Spirits and Black Diamond Distillery spirits.

Kevin McDonald of Kids in the Hall (December 1st and 3rd) is one of the performers who will bring The Capital Theater to life on Thursdays and Saturdays. Rapid Fire Theater, Grindstone Theatre’s He’s 11 O’Clock Number, and local drug acts are also scheduled.

Midway remains the main hub for food and drink, but attendees can find offerings throughout. Woodshed Burgers, Three Vikings and The Workshop Eatery are housed in blue and yellow tents, with moving carousels adding to the festival atmosphere.

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Stroll down 1920 Street or take a horse sleigh ride dressed in a “magic” light installation ready for your Instagram moment. The Mahogany Barspeak Easy at Hotel Selkirk serves mulled wine, hot chocolate and other treats, while his bookstore in Ukraine serves as the home of his wreaths, planters and candles workshop.

On-site charitable opportunities for donations to the Christmas Authority, Edmonton Food Bank, and United Way. Organizers aim to fill Park his train, which Franke affectionately thinks of as the Polar Express, with new and less-used outerwear.

Last year’s attendees ranged from young families to seniors, from groups of friends to couples. Creating an event that caters to so many different audiences is no easy task, but that’s the audacious goal of Edmonton Christmas for his market.

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“It’s about designing your own adventure,” Franke says. “It will be a fulfilling experience that everyone will enjoy. Besides supporting markets and local businesses during this wonderful time, there are so many fun things to do with friends, family or date night.”

yegarts@postmedia.com

Royal Bison Art and Craft Fair

Where Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, 8426 Gateway Blvd.

when November 25-27, December 2-4

Admission fee $4 at the door, kids free

Edmonton Christmas Market

Where Fort Edmonton Park

when November 30th – December 18th

tickets $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-17 (5 and under are free), $45 for families (2 adults and up to 4 children). There is an additional charge and you must book a timed entry. The ‘Christmas Cash’ card can be used for food and beverages at the hotel and save 10% when you order online. Any leftover Christmas cash can be donated to the Edmonton Food Bank at the end of your visit.