Spring market one of many planned for Minnedosa duo

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This article was published 01/05/2022 (1404 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After turning a new leaf and opening a boutique with her best friend, Krista Powell is working hard to put Minnedosa on the map with several key events planned for her community — namely an anticipated spring craft show this Saturday.

Powell, who opened Gold Leaf Boutique with Lisa Buchanan in February, has not slowed down their business, getting back to planning craft sales throughout Westman including the return of the Spring Market in Minnedosa scheduled for May 7.

“We’re really excited to get back to a little bit of what was always normal,” Powell said.

“We did the spring market in Brandon two weeks ago, which was amazing. We had over 900 people over the two days, so that was awesome.”

On April 8 and 9, Powell and Buchanan who own and operate Gold Leaf Events hosted their first show in the city prior to the start of the pandemic. Powell said their “Spring Market at the Dome,” was a great success as they were able to welcome 36 vendors, the majority of whom were from Brandon.

As they turn their attention to this weekend, she said they have more than 30 vendors lined up for the Minnedosa spring market, and she’s amazed by the local interest generated by new startup smaller businesses.

“There’s been so many Minnedosa makers and sellers popping up, I think everyone just kind of took on a new hobby during COVID when everyone had to stay home,” she said.

With that emphasis on supporting local makers, the two have organized a raffle based on donated prizes from vendors. Proceeds from the raffle will go toward the Minnedosa and Area Food Bank, an organization they have partnered with on many occasions.

More recently, the event planners were able to raise a few hundred dollars for the food bank in December following the return of their Christmas craft sale for the area. She said with rising costs, the food bank has seen more use recently from people accessing it in the community.

Earlier in April, proceeds from the Brandon craft sale at the dome went toward One At A Time Rescue.

“Animals are very near and dear to my heart so we always usually try to pick a couple of animal rescue groups to work with,” she said.

This year, the two have recruited makers from many different business backgrounds, including women’s fashion, jewelry, carving, knitting, sewing, homemade honey and more.

“We have a few soap makers, Lather and Strand and Old Farm Soap Works are from Minnedosa,” she said.

“Wild and Natural Creations is from the Rivers area. We have some sewers and crocheters from the Neepawa area as well as Onanole.”

Powell and Buchanan will be offering a few social media contests for a chance to win “market dollars,” prior to this Saturday, and a promotion for everyone who enters the market.

She explained everyone who pays for their $2 admission will be able to draw a popsicle from a glass and have a chance to win $10 to spend at the market which every vendor can accept.

Since their February opening, Powell said support from the community for Gold Leaf Boutique has been overwhelming over the first three months. She has come across a good number of people on social media who have made the drive in from other parts of Manitoba to check out their boutique.

“There’s so much in our town that we love showing off,” she said.

“We’ve had a really good response from our community and Westman in general.”

Products from the Chocolate Moose Fudge Factory in Moose Jaw continue to be one of their best sellers, and their demand for eco-friendly gifts, baby gifts and their pet section have grown in number.

She said homemade pet treats from Neelin Farms, a local Minnedosa seller, added to their product lineup over the last two weeks and they have now had to restock based on popularity.

Ahead of Mother’s Day weekend, Powell believes people right now are interested in paying closer attention to where their goods, products and services are coming from and appreciating the craftmanship behind a handmade item.

“People are doing their best to support their neighbours, and we’re so excited because with the markets, there’s so many small businesses that people depend on as their income, that haven’t had a chance or a place to sell their items,” she said.

Later in the year, the two are putting together a market for the Sandy Lake Western Days in early August and have retaken the ropes for organizing the Minnedosa Fun Fest, a three-day event they used to arrange for the community. Powell said there was a lack of interest in bringing the event back this year and they jumped on the opportunity.

“If we can be another reason for people to want to come and visit our town, we’re beyond excited about that,” she said.

The spring craft sale will take place from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. at the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre. Admission is $2, but children 12 and under get in free. A full list of vendors can be found on Gold Leaf Events Facebook page.

» jbernacki@brandonsun.com

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