On the lush shores of Kootenay Lake, and tucked away among the peaks of the Selkirk Mountains, is Nelson, British Columbia. Nelson is a friendly mountain town that features a vibrant art community, world-class outdoor activities, and home to the Kootenay Artisan Fair at the Prestige Lakeside Resort. The majestic mountains and lush wilderness provide a picturesque backdrop for this fair which features some of the most beautiful arts and crafts in the region. The fair modestly existed for over two decades, but it couldn’t make a leap to what it is today without Aviva Keely taking the reins in 2011. Now the fair has at least 50 vendors that are vetted and hand picked to participate in this unique art experience. In addition, it now draws thousands of people from all over the community and Southern British Columbia.
The theme of the festival is Christmas, but you’ll find a wide variety arts, crafts, and beautiful handmade items. Not only is this a Christmas themed festival, it's also a showcase for local artisans who want to sell their goods in an environment built just for them. There is something for everyone at this fair with beautiful and bright holiday decor, live music, impressive holiday displays and a delicious selection of food. Bring the entire family because this is a fun and festive environment for all ages. ResortsandLodges.com got the opportunity to interview Aviva Keely, the Co-Coordinator of the Kootenay Artisan Fair, about the event.
RAL: Tell me about the Kootenay Artisan Fair.
AK: Kootenay Artisan Fair is a juried fair featuring over 50 vendors and live music. The fair is held at the Nelson Prestige Lakeside Resort on November 20-22. This version of the fair is in its fifth year. Over the course of the three-day event, we draw over 2,000 people. We tend to draw a bit of everyone to the show. Since we have many families who participate together as vendors, we see every age group. My children and family all participate in the show in some way. It is a real bonding event!
RAL: What sets this festival apart from other art fairs?
AK: This event is unique because each vendor must apply in advance and undergo a jury process which screens for unique, high quality, and handmade items from people who reside in the Kootenay Boundary area. You will not find church bizarre or imported items at this show. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with lots of hustle and bustle. Between the gentle live music, incredible displays, delicious food, and warmth of the beautiful settings, Prestige Lakeside Resort is an absolute perfect location for the fair. Some of the vendors who attend have been working at their craft for over 20 years. What I hear most often from vendors and attendees alike is that this is the show where people come to purchase amazing and beautiful one of a kind items.
RAL: Walk me through a typical day at the Artisan Fair.
AK: As you walk through the doors of the Prestige you are instantly met with a beautifully decorated Christmas environment featuring several vendors, a fireplace, and some large comfortable couches. You can choose to grab a coffee or hot chocolate from the in house coffee shop as you enter, or continue on to the fair entrance.
Once past the entrance, there are vendors at every turn. With beautiful displays and loads of samples to choose from, you make your way down the halls to the main ballroom. On your way you will pass our special guest “Au Soleil Levant”, a local run French bakery. They provide the vendors with special treats on setup day before the show opens. Plus, throughout the weekend they bring in fresh baked bread, cookies, and other baked delights, filling the area with an enticing aroma. Be sure to make your way all the way down “Food Alley” for more samples and treats before you enter the main ballroom. You can choose from several entrances to the main ballroom and once inside you can peruse the majority of our vendors. This room is magical! Each vendor spends hours to create large walk-in booths full of lights and wonders.
RAL: What can attendees expect for local lodging?
AK: If the Prestige Lakeside Resort is full, you can try the Hume Hotel located just a few blocks away. Passed down through the family, this hotel is run by the young couple who owns it. They have everything from casual dining to a hopping nightclub. With their hands-on approach, you feel like one of the family. If you find this venue to be full, this loving couple also owns the local Best Western. No matter where you stay, the fair is within walking distance, but if you do end up driving, you will find ample free parking in the Prestige’s large parking lot or half a block away at Chahko Mika Mall. A few more local lodging options include Kokanee Lakeside Resort and Farewell Harbour Resort.
RAL: What does the fair mean to the community?
AK: This event is so important to the community’s needs. Here in the Kootenays we have so many talented artists, seamstresses, jewelers, fiber artists, and potters. It is an absolute honor to represent these amazing people. For some, this event is their biggest moneymaker of the year. For others, this is their break out opportunity. This gets them though the slow times of the winter and feeds their families for the season. This is the only show some of the veteran artisans participate in anymore, offering a great opportunity for our participants. This event not only allows these vendors to make a living, it also provides the community an opportunity to find all these beautiful wares in one place and meet face to face with the makers. I have watched small time vendors move onto grocery store shelves, provide celebrities with one of a kind wares, and grow from vendor to store front. This is definitely the venue where entrepreneurial spirits get nurtured.
RAL: Why should people come to the Kootenay Artisan Fair?
AK: Coming to the Kootenays is like visiting your long lost relatives. There are so many friendly people, amazing restaurants, unique shops, and local fairs. Most of the time you are served or helped out by the owners of these businesses or their family members. There are many incredible sights and destinations that are only a short drive or hike away. This area is known for its nature, natural products, handmade wares, and environmentally minded individuals. We eat locally grown/made foods, hang local art, drink local roasted coffee from local potters’ cups, listen to local bands, wear locally made clothing, and support our community members. This area is a wonder to explore as a visitor or a resident.
For more information about the Kootenay Artisan Fair please visit their website.