Upper Canada Artisan Marketplace and Sale on Mother's Day Weekend May 7 to 10

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission announced today that it will be continuing with its successful Upper Canada Artisan Marketplace at Upper Canada Village initiated as a test last year. Artisans across the Upper Canada region, St. Lawrence River corridor, and greater Kingston areas are encouraged to participate by exhibiting and offering for sale unique items, hand-crafted wares and homemade delicacies. The Village's marketplace will be held on the Mother's Day Weekend, May 7 to 10. Fort Henry's version of this event will continue on the heels of their popular Gift Giving Show held in early December of last year.

Tracey Ogilby, the Commission's supervisor of retail at Upper Canada Village, is undertaking this Artisan Marketplace as a way of re-connecting with artists and vendors after the long winter. Ogilby is hoping to make arrangements to carry popular items as well as discover new products of interest to the Commission's 1 million visitors, with the expectation of showcasing these items in the retail stores at Upper Canada Village and Fort Henry.

The marketplace is an effective way for both the Commission and area vendors to quickly do business, and it gives area residents an early peek into what might be offered for the upcoming season. "Each year I get so many requests that I simply cannot schedule enough time to see everyone. Having the artisan marketplace is a great way for me to see a wide variety of products by local artisans plus it gives the craftspeople the opportunity for added exposure to the general public," commented Ogilby.

Due to the success of last year's Upper Canada Artisan Marketplace, the artisan exhibit will be expanding with the addition of three buildings open for the artisans and visitors. This year the event will take place in The Harvest Barn Restaurant, Cook's Tavern and Crysler Hall in Upper Canada Village with set-up on May 7, 2009. Judging will take place on May 8. The judging panel will evaluate artisan products with respect to its artistic value, marketability, and customer value and will also make recommendations on which products will have most appeal in the Village Store.

The Upper Canada Artisan Marketplace will be open to the public on Mother's Day weekend from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10) with awards announced on May 10. A small admission fee ($2 per person) will be charged, but also provides access into walking the Village. Youth under 18 are free. Willard's Hotel will be open from 11:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. for lunch and afternoon tea on both days, offering a special menu for Mother's Day. Reservations are recommended by calling 613-543 0660.

All types of artisans are encouraged to display their wares at the exhibit. "We encourage artisans who have more traditional crafts, as well as those using modern skills and talents to display their product. We’re looking for a full range of items and price points, recognizing that providing excellent customer value is a key concern in today's soft economy," explained Ogilby. She also explained that "student" artisans or young people under age 25 will also be given a reduced-price opportunity to showcase their wares.

Key Dates
Entry deadline April 15, 2009
Selection notification April 22, 209
Setup May 7, 2009
Judging May 8, 2009
Booth rental (regular artisan) $100 per booth
Booth rental (student artisan) $50 per booth (with valid student ID or proof of age under 25)
Open to Public May 9 and 10, 2009
Admission: $2 per adult 18+

St. Lawrence Parks Commission General Manager and CEO Pat Macdonald commended staff on this initiative and is hopeful that many more craftspeople will participate. "Last year, we worked with over 35 artisans. Our customers were thrilled, as we brought together some of the most interesting products made right here in the region, recognizing the artists in our midsts and our rich heritage," she said. "This expanded artisan marketplace in 2009 at both ends of the Commission's operations in Morrisburg and Kingston - will help us to further expose our customers to fine local products. What better place to bring together our local artisans and our shared heritage but at Upper Canada Village and Fort Henry?"

For more information or to download entry forms and guidelines visit www.uppercanadaartisans.com or call the Customer Service Unit at 1-800-437-2233 or 613-543-4328 (locally).