The same two organizers that ran last weekend’s Winter Artisan Market in Port Coquitlam will host another holiday sale, Friday night in Coquitlam.
Only, this time, they’ll feature three times as many vendors.
Julie Zado and Tabitha McLoughlin, who also operate the Coquitlam and Port Moody farmers’ market, will bring in 110 artists and artisans — from around the Lower Mainland and beyond — for the 38th annual Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair.
Running Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and 2 at the Poirier Forum, the Tri-City News-sponsored fair will include unique gifts such as jewlery, metal works and pottery.
As well, there’ll be products from Maples Sugar Shack from Squamish and handmade pyjamas by Island Sewing Connection from Duncan, on Vancouver Island.
Pieter Van Meenen, the chef at PoCo’s The Giggle Dam, will sell his famous dips while Solasta Chocolate will offer its no-gluten and vegan treats.
Other vendors include Talen Creations, Fly Box, JAGGR Designs and Checkers Premium Fudge.
Nicola Lafortune, a Coquitlam crafter with friends Karen Melquist and Kathy Hupka, has been selling their products at the fair for at least 20 years. “I love it. It’s so exciting,” she said. “I always looking forward to talking to people about what we do.”
For Pam Leitch, she’s been a part of the fair for the past six years and crafting for 25 years. “It’s always an enjoyable experience,” she said.
Zado and McLoughlin received 150 applications from vendors — and 750 enquiries — to be part of the holiday attraction. “This year, we have 25 new vendors,” explained Zado, who has organized the event with McLoughlin for the past three years. “We’ve increased the floor plan to accommodate more vendors so it’ll be in a trade show format.”
Still, while the Forum is covered, it’s also unheated.
Shoppers are asked to dress for the cool (and rainy) weather; a heating system with natural gas will circle the rink during the three-day fair. Food and beverage trucks will also be located outside the
Forum for hungry holiday shoppers.
• The Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair runs Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is $3/$2; no cost for children 12 and under. The Poirier Forum is located at 618 Poirier St., Coquitlam (between Dogwood Pavilion and Centennial secondary school). Call 604-842-4619 or visit coquitlamcrafts.com.
jcleugh@tricitynews.com
