On the eastern side of Vancouver Island you’ll find the friendly and laid back confines of Qualicum Beach. This charming seaside community is popular with artists, musicians, agriculturists, retirees, and people focused on health and wellness. Here you’ll find a temperate climate, stunning vistas, beautiful parks, and a wide range of fun activities to enjoy. This is the perfect community to host the annual Winterfest Craft Fair. Entering its fourth year, the fair has been steadily growing since its inception and it now takes place at the spacious Qualicum Beach Civic Center. Besides the extra room at the civic center, another reason for the move to Qualicum Beach is to coincide with the annual Qualicum Beach Winter Art Walk. This event is the perfect complement for Winterfest because the entire town of 8,500+ gets in the artistic mood.
The Winterfest Craft Fair attracts thousands of people from Vancouver Island and the surrounding area in British Columbia. They feature over 75 different vendors that truly have something to offer everyone who attends. From designer foods to luxurious jewelry, you can get all of your holiday shopping done during a weekend at the Winterfest Craft Fair. It’s not just about the crafts, live Celtic inspired music will be played throughout the duration of the fair, and a variety of food vendors will be selling their delicious treats. This is also a great fair to bring the kids because of the Harry Haggis hunt along with the fun, lively, and entertaining atmosphere. Not only are they showcasing local artists at the festival, but they support a series of local causes. Your entrance fee not only ensures the longevity of the fair, but it supports one of many local charities. We had the opportunity to interview the Event Organizer of the Winterfest Craft Fair, Bobbie Williams, about the event.
RAL: Tell me about the event.
BW: The Winterfest Craft Fair is entering its fourth year. Each year we have grown in attendance and we are looking to continue the trend this year. We have over 75 vendors all selling unique handcrafted items. The demographics of our crowd includes people and groups of all ages. The festival has been tailored to have something for everyone. A unique aspect of this craft fair is the atmosphere and the activities beyond the crafts. We have live Celtic themed music on stage during the event, an exciting scavenger hunt for children, fantastic food from various vendors, and prize winners every hour.
RAL: Take me through what attendees will see during a typical day at the event.
BW: When you enter the festival you’ll choose a free mini cup of hot chocolate or apple cider. After you choose a drink, you have a choice of a shortbread cookie or a square of Scottish fudge called tablet. You’re also given a ticket to donate $1 to one of three local charity groups. While you are enjoying your treat and hot beverage, you can shop in all four areas of the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. If shopping is not your cup of tea, (maybe you’ve been dragged to the craft fair by your friend or spouse) you can sit and enjoy a lovely meal while listening to the live bands playing on stage. If you have children with you, keep them busy with our Wild Harry Haggis Hunt. Ten Hairy Haggis's are hiding in the vendor stalls and the children are tasked to find them. Once they’ve found and collected all ten stamps, the children have a chance to win their very own Harry Haggis. This keeps kid occupied while you have a chance to look around at each stall. Or, you have the option to sit with the children at the craft kids table and grab a bite to eat.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
BW: The owners at Riverside Resort have been super generous and are offering a special discount for anyone who wants to attend Winterfest. All you need is the secret password 'Winterfest' and Bob's your Uncle - you’ll have a great deal. One of the benefits with Riverside Resort is they can accommodate RV's as well as those who require a hotel room. In addition you’ll find Shorewater Resort, Firedance Bed and Breakfast and The Beach Club Resort in town or relatively close by.
RAL: Does the Winterfest Craft Fair drive business to the local economy?
BW: Winterfest is part of a bigger event weekend in Qualicum Beach. The Old School House will be hosting Victorian Tea in period costumes. The Spinners and Weavers and Parksville Quilters will have their annual craft fairs. There is also an Art Walk that allows people to walk the town of Qualicum Beach to see works from artists in the area. A map can be picked up at Winterfest or The Old School House.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause?
BW: One dollar from every entry (25%) will go towards one of three community/charity groups each day, with a total of nine groups benefiting from all those who attend.
RAL: Why should people come to the Winterfest Craft Fair?
BW: Winterfest is more than a craft fair, it is an event! In one place you can enjoy Celtic music, work up an appetite while shopping, and finish up with a delicious hot meal all while supporting local artisans. The fun doesn't stop there, you have more than five other events going on to help showcase the town itself.
For more information on the Winterfest Craft Fair please visit their website.