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The rooms and halls of the Rotary Centre for the Arts are packed this weekend as Craft Culture hosts its 2023 Holiday Magic Market.
The market has 80 booths on display, filled with local vendors selling all sorts of goods including soap, candy, hot sauce, candles, jewellery and more.
“Christmas is a big season, it makes up a lot of their (the vendors') income for the year so it's a little bit make or break,” said Karalyn Lockhart, Craft Culture owner/event manager.
“The more community members we have come down and support local businesses means a lot to local families.”
Vendors are from nearby regions, such as Rick Hawkes of Lauriche Soaps ‘n Such, who is from Kamloops and selling at this specific event for the first time.
“It’s been really good today, it started out slow for the first five minutes and then it’s been steady… so I love it,” he said with a chuckle.
Hawkes added that the Holiday Magic Market is good for exposure to his business because lots of people come through the event.
“Christmas time is like the harvest time for crafters and especially for soap makers because people buy it for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers,” explained Hawkes.
Admission to the market this weekend is by donation, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Salvation Army.
“We've actually never donated to the Salvation Army before and they've got a lot of great Christmas programs, so I think it's important,” explained Lockhart on the decision for which charity to donate to.
This weekend’s event is a taste of the larger market that is scheduled to take place Dec. 1-3, at Prospera Place.
The December market will feature more than 200 booths to explore.
But before that, there is still one more day left of the market at the Rotary Centre for the Arts as it is open from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday.
“There's something for everyone,” added Lockhart.
“It doesn't matter what your budget is, there are small items, large items and even if you're not in the market to buy anything it's just a fun afternoon.”
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