Over 70 vendors are signed up for the 10th annual South Cariboo Women's Fair.
Hosted at the South Cariboo Rec Centre, the popular two-day event is a chance for women and women-led businesses to showcase their talents, skills and products and network with one another. Event organizer Shelly Morton, the rec centre's events coordinator, remarked she is looking forward to another weekend of fun.
"We are at 74 vendors for the women's fair. We've got some new vendors we haven't seen before. I'm so excited to see what they have to bring and their products as well," Morton remarked. "It's such an uplifting and entertaining event."
This year, the fair runs from Friday, May 2, to Saturday, May 3. As in previous years, Friday night will be a special ticketed wine and cheese night open only to women for $10 a ticket. Morton said the atmosphere on Friday night is always awesome, and she has live music and entertainment scheduled, such as a fitness demonstration and dancing, throughout the evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, May 3, the fair is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with no entry fee, with all welcome to come and attend. Throughout the day, Morton said she has a lineup of live performances, including a show by Raising the Barre Academy of Dance, live music, a performance by the Cariboo in Motion cheerleaders, South Cariboo Rythmic Gymnastics and the Baladi Babes.
Some of the new vendors include Troublemaker Textiles, which sells wools and yarns, and Revelry Arts, the studio of local artist Jess Thomas. Returning vendors include Cripple Creek Ranch and Glass, which Morton remarked does "just amazing" glasswork that she's looking forward to seeing again.
"Everybody is always returning unless they're otherwise occupied or on holidays during the women's fair, so it obviously is a feel good show and brings out vendors back every year," Morton remarked, noting she enjoys hearing vendors tell her about how successful or how many people they meet while at the fair.
Outside the arena, Morton said she has invited several food trucks to come set up shop. These will include Molly's Fish and Chips, Ivy's Enchiladas, the Summertime Bistro Bus, 100 Miles to Mumbai and Freezing Point Soft Serve Ice Cream.
Morton said she encourages the entire community to consider coming out to the South Cariboo Women's Fair this year and have a great time.
"It's just great to support our local businesses and local organisations," Morton remarked. "This is a great time to see what's out there and give them a little support; it's a great way to do it."
