Over 50 vendors will be participating in this year’s Howick Craft Fair on November 19 at Howick Elementary School. Each vendor will be showcasing handmade products, from clothing to chocolates to soaps and more. Organizer Robyn Irving says, “After last year’s success with only an outdoor fair, [we saw that] people really enjoyed the Christmas Market theme, and we are sticking with that type of atmosphere again – in which we have outdoor seating and a fireplace going, for people to enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate outside.” She calls the event a “hybrid model,” meaning half indoors and half outdoors.
This is the 42nd year of the fair. Irving explains that this event simultaneously helps people get into the holiday spirit and supports local businesses. It’s a place for the community to gather. “In the Valley people really enjoy seeing others in their community, and this is an event that definitely brings people together,” she says.
This year will be the first one since the fair began that local vendor Mrs. Robinson will not be in attendance due to her passing earlier this year. To honour her memory, all proceeds from the hot chocolate and coffee sales will be donated to the Barrie Memorial Hospital Women’s Auxiliary.
