Crafts at the hall:

The oldest show in town

MapleLine Magazine: Nov.3, 2010 (pre-show) |Click for SHOW REPORT

by Mary P. Brooke

<< Back to Holiday 2010 issue

SOOKE, BC. For 35 years people have been able to buy hand-crafted arts and trinkets in Sooke for Christmas gift-giving. We’re talking about getting to the All Sooke Arts and Crafts Show each November, held at the Sooke Community Hall. This year there will be 70 vendors – a record number! On sale will be the expected range of country crafts such as knitting, quilting, needlecraft, soap, wooden toys, home preservers, leathercraft, pottery and more. Exhibitors are listed on the organization’s website at www.allsookeartsandcrafts.com.

The three show convenors this year are Rob Davies, Shelley Davies and Ettie Catto. They organize and promote the show. Rob and Shelley are instrumental in the setup and management of the 3-day show – this year being held Fri. Nov.19 through Sunday Nov.21. A member of the group since 1994, Ettie maintains the website, answers emails, screen applicants, sends out and receives applications, and designs the show floorplan.

“Running this large a show can be a time-consuming labour of love undertaking. Some weeks consume endless hours and during the craft fair season there is non-stop thinking, talking and organizing,” says Ettie whose own craft expertise is knitting hats, booties and other items for infants and children. She sells her wares the other 362 days of the year through her website www.overtherainbowdesigns.com.

Annie Boquist is also a key organizer. She joined the group in 1983 and has now cut back to just doing the advertising. At first her motivation was to sell crafts for additional income – sharing a table with Kathy Joahannesson each year since day one. Soon the social aspect went into overdrive and the money became a sideline.

“Everyone in town comes to the show. People you haven’t seen all year will drop by,” says Annie. “It’s a very fun three days.” Annie makes baskets and gourd-
shaped containers from leather and other materials. She also sells her creations year-round online from her website at www.orveasbay.ca.

Booking the tables keeps the organizers busy. The floor this year has been designed to allow more non-member participation at $120 for a space on the main floor. “That is still the best rate going for a 3-day show during the height of the craft fair season,” Ettie is quick to say. “It’s a social event as much as a shopping experience. People in Sooke appreciate the quality and uniqueness of handcrafted goods. They come for Christmas shopping or to seek out a bargain. It’s early enough that not everyone has their shopping done and late enough that sales are encouraged because shopping days are numbered.”

Free space is provided for local non-profit groups for fundraising purposes. Those tables are in the basement, as the community association does not charge the show for that lower-level space. The Lions sponsor pictures with Santa – possibly his only public stop in Sooke all season!

The show has a great reputation, drawing visitors from Victoria and beyond. Many items are unique, not found at other shows, Annie says. Free show admission is great for young families. Students help out and learn how a show is done.

Newcomers to Sooke may wish to catch the flavour of old Sooke at this event and enjoy shopping locally. MM

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