Organizer ‘blown away’ by crowd

The third annual Spring Fling Craft and Tradeshow brought local artisans and shoppers together Saturday at the Dome Building, drawing a large crowd despite being held in a smaller venue this year.

The event focuses on giving area residents a chance to connect with artisans from across southwestern Manitoba, organizer Jennifer Piwniuk-Chrupalo told the Sun.

“This is the third annual Spring Fling Craft and Tradeshow. It’s all about handmade, homemade, local — featuring local artisans,” Piwniuk-Chrupalo said.

More than 30 vendors participated in this year’s show, travelling from communities including Dauphin, Winnipeg, MacGregor, Brandon, Shilo, Sprucewoods and Carberry.

While the number of vendors was smaller than in previous years, Piwniuk-Chrupalo said attendance appears to have continued to grow.

“Actually, this year is the smallest because we changed venues,” she said. “Previously, we had over 55 vendors, but this year we have about 40 tables you can shop from.”

The event was previously held at the Clarion Hotel & Suites before moving to the Dome Building this year, a change that affected spacing and the number of vendors that could participate. Despite the smaller vendor count, Piwniuk-Chrupalo said turnout from the community exceeded expectations.

“We’re absolutely blown away,” she said. “It’s kind of hard being here to know exactly how many people have walked through the doors, but we’re estimating about 1,300 people right now.”

Attendance has steadily grown since the event began three years ago, she added.

“The first year we had about 700 to 800 people, the next year around 900 to 1,000, and this year our best guess is between 1,200 and 1,400.”

Beyond supporting local artisans, the market also raises funds for animal welfare.

Each year, the event supports Funds for Furry Friends through a silver collection, a 50/50 draw and a raffle basket donated by vendors.

The raffle prize alone is valued at more than $675, with one winner taking the entire basket.

“We’re happy with whatever we raise,” Piwniuk-Chrupalo said.

“It’s all about the puppies and the kitties, and everybody loves a good deal and seeing what’s new for the spring season.”

She added that the Dome Building is likely to remain the event’s home going forward.

“I think the Dome is going to be our new home for our craft shows,” she said.

While Piwniuk-Chrupalo organizes the market largely on her own while working 12-hour shifts at a hospital post-surgical floor, she said the experience has been rewarding.

“You end up making great friends and new friends,” she said.

Piwniuk-Chrupalo also participates as a vendor alongside her sister-in-law through their business, The Enchanted Stitchers.

Above all, she said the strong turnout reflects the support of the community.

“We’re so blessed to be in a community that is so welcoming and so supportive,” she said. “They have shown up in droves today to support our local artisans.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola