The 50th Southampton Craft Show saw 200 exhibitors inside and out at its temporary location, the Plex in Port Elgin. A special celebration and cake cutting was held to commemorate the show's long history and ongoing success.

Hub Staff

The Southampton Craft Show celebrated its 50th year on July 4 at its temporary location, the Plex in Port Elgin. Over 200 exhibitors filled the arena inside and out. The craft show began in 1967 as part of Canada’s centennial celebrations where members of several area Women’s Institute branches baked bread and churned butter dressed in period costume. For the following decade each Women's Institute attended and sold baked goods and crafts to raise money for their own sponsored organizations.

In 1979, the show began accepting outside vendors and was named the Women’s Institute Craft and Hobby Fair. In their 35th year, the Women's Institute was experiencing a decline in memberships and invited PRANCE (Pegasus Riding Association Nurturing Challenged Equestrians) to take over the craft show. PRANCE has continued to uphold the show's hard earned reputation through to its 50th year. As PRANCE’s biggest fundraiser, the annual craft show had helped this not-for-profit, volunteer driven organization provide therapeutic equestrian services to individuals with intellectual, physical and emotional disabilities.

Executive Director of PRANCE, Ann Marie Johnston, addressed a small gathering of volunteers, committee members, community members and dignitaries to commemorate their 50th anniversary. Johnston thanked many of the dedicated individuals who have helped make the show such a success.

Following words of congratulations by Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau, Southampton Craft Show Committee Chairperson Brenda Murray praised the Women’s Institute, PRANCE, vendors and the many volunteers who contribute to the show’s success.

“The timeless efforts of our volunteers is second to none," said Murray.

The change in location to the Plex this year was a temporary one and due to renovations taking place at the Southampton Coliseum. Although the venue provided ample outdoor space, some new indoor vendors found themselves off the beaten path, in the arena's dressing rooms. Nonetheless, the combination of signs and announcements kept guests aware of the hidden treasures in the more secluded areas.

Longstanding vendor Bobbi Lovell from Keswick, Ontario, recalled being a new vendor to the scene in 1985, when she found herself up in the bleachers at the coliseum. New vendors typically land the less desirable tables and work their way up, explained Lovell. After a few years, Lovell and her company Weatherall Pottery found themselves amidst the hustle and bustle where they've remained ever since.

Women's Institute member Wilda Lamont, second from left, was ready to cut the cake in celebration of the Southampton Craft Show's 50th anniversary with, from left, Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, PRANCE equestrian representative, PRANCE Executive Director Ann Marie Johnston and Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau.

Members of the Women’s Institute stand proud as the original founders of the Southampton Craft Show and still remain an integral part of the event.

Bobbi Lovell from Weatherall Pottery has been a vendor of the Southampton Craft Show for 34 years. Lovell makes all her own glazes for her pottery creations and although her pieces have evolved to be microwave and dishwasher safe, her signature style has stayed true over the years.

Returning for their sixth year, Vicky Gerke and Laura Langevin, co-founders of Echoes In The Attic, have managed to divert and upcycle 80 tonnes of textiles destined for landfill since they began fashioning eco-handbags 14 years ago. These busy, eco-entrepreneurs rescue 500 pounds of designer fabric straight from the manufacturer every other week and repurpose them into totes, cross-body flat-bags, makeup bags and purses.

Amber Moore introduced her pottery creations at the 50th Anniversary Southampton Craft Show on July 4.

Another new vendor to the craft show this year was Wingit By William, built by designer William Martin who was unfortunately unable to attend due to an injury. His wife and fellow vendor, Janet Martin who had her own homemade hats and scarves, manned both booths with the help of her daughter.

Southampton Craft Show newcomer Nancy Smith from Beamsville, Ontario made a splash at the Plex, July 4, with her handmade, artisan soaps. Each bar combines natural ingredients that offer many different skincare benefits and tantalizing aromas.

Amelia Kennedy with daughter Leah Kennedy returned for their second year to the Southampton Craft Show, July 4. Kennedy’s mystical jewels and magic wands caught the attention of many visitors, old and young.

Southampton Craft Show veteran Brenda Sutherland brought her brilliant display of flowers for her 29th year. Sutherland’s vibrant lilies have become an icon at the show.

A steady stream of customers came through the doors for the 50th Southampton Craft Show July 4.