The Southampton Craft Show celebrated 50 years in 2019 and 2020 would have been PRANCE's 16th year with the event.   

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PRANCE (Pegasus Rising Association Nurturing Challenged Equestrians) has made the tough decision to cancel the Southampton Craft Show that was scheduled for July 2. In a June 29 media release, this is a significant setback for both the community, which looks forward to the event each year, as well as for PRANCE which relies on the show as their major annual fundraiser.

“It was a difficult but necessary decision by the organizing committee and the hope is that the annual event will be hosted once again in 2021," said Ann Marie Johnston, PRANCE Executive Director/Volunteer Coordinator. "The Southampton Craft Show is something we all really look forward to," she added.

PRANCE is a not for profit organization that relies on donations and fundraising to be able to continue to offer therapeutic riding to children and adults with special needs. Without the revenue generated from this event, PRANCE is looking for alternative strategies to help off-set the income loss which is used for horse care including regular veterinary checks, medication, farrier services, massage and chiropractic, feed and supplements and horse board. Monthly horse care for the PRANCE horses runs on average $7,500 per month or $90,000 per year.

The pandemic forced PRANCE to cancel both the spring session and summer camp program. “It’s been tough,” Johnston indicated, “we are slowly getting back in the saddle now, so to speak, but will have to dramatically reduce our riders in order to comply with social distancing guidelines." Despite the challenges PRANCE is optimistic that with public support, they can continue to operate and offer their much-needed services to the community.

Last year the Southampton Craft Show generated over $14,000 profit for the organization with approximately 141 vendors and 2,700 visitors attending the show. The event brings people into the downtown and is organized and run each year by the Southampton Craft Show Committee with help from many volunteers, all of whom share a commitment to PRANCE.

“PRANCE is sorry not to be able to bring the Craft Show to Saugeen Shores this year. We will miss seeing so many longtime friends and supporters but we want everyone to focus on being safe and healthy,” said Johnston. “If you are able to support PRANCE this year by making a donation instead of that trip to the show, we would be very grateful.”

Donations can be made by contacting PRANCE at prance@bmts.com or to learn more about the Southampton Craft Show, visit southamptoncraftshow.com.