PEI Crafts Council moves Christmas fair into Convention Centre

For the first time in 50 years, the PEI Crafts Council is holding its annual Christmas fair somewhere other thanCharlottetown's Confederation Centre.

This year's event is being put onat the Convention Centre, connected to the Delta Prince Edward Hotel. Annie MacEachern, the council's new executive director, knows the change is a big one for shoppers and vendors alike.

"It's kind of hard for change here on the Island as we all know, but I think this one is going to be a good one," MacEachern told CBC's Mainstreet P.E.I. on Wednesday.

A 'really important fair'

The dates of this year's fair coincided with Remembrance Day, when the Confederation Centre is closed. That forced the council to search for a new venue, said MacEachern, who started in the position in September.

"It is really allowing the craft council to expand and to give our artisans the most opportunity for sales. This is a really important fair for many of our vendors and taking away that third day just wasn't an option for us," she said.

"The Delta fit all of our needs."

Public feedback welcome

The decision was made in May at the council's annual general meeting.

This weekend's fair, featuring over 40 vendors,will be spread over three ballrooms on Delta's first floor.

MacEachernis asking for public feedback on the fair and venue change.

"We're in a time of transition right now. I'm new to the role and I'm really looking to the artisans and the community for some direction."

'Asupportive and loving community'

The council offers support and marketing to local artisans and holds regular events such as buyers' markets throughout of the year.

"We really created a community with the crafts council so I feel like a lot of them get to see old friends when they come every November to the craft council's annual craft fair," MacEachern said.

"It is really a supportive and loving community. I think that's what a lot of people really like. A lot of people have return customers and this is the time they get to connect with them one on one."

The Christmas Craft Fair begins Friday at 1 p.m. and tickets are $4 for the entire weekend.

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