Craft show season is no longer limited to the six weeks before Christmas. Pauline Jaworski has been hard at work recruited crafters and artisans for weekly Travelling Craft Fairs, setting up shop at all ends of the city.

So far, the response has been nothing short of overwhelming.

Shows range in size, from 20-some vendors all the way up to around 40 — oftentimes, there is more interest from crafters than there is space.

“It's been growing and growing,” Jaworski said.

The Fairs feature a wide selection of products, from independent sales representatives to handmade goodies from Northern artists.

“When I started them I wanted to offer crafters, artists, vendors and small business persons the opportunity to have an affordable 'store front' to market their products and services,” she said. “There are little venues available for these types of businesses and artists.”

Those participating are happy to have the chance to showcase their lineups to new customers on a weekly basis.

“The vendors are pleased because they know exactly where they are going when,” Jaworski said.

There is a show every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., except for long weekends, throughout the rest of winter and spring. There will be a short break before the weekly events return in the fall.

“It's been a lot of fun,” she said.

Customers are happy about it too, since they don't have to leave their hometowns to explore the markets.

“I wanted to offer the residents of smaller communities the opportunity to attend craft fairs that are in their communities and not have to travel to the city,” she said.

Jaworski said about 85 per cent of people who come through the doors are leaving with their hands full.

Upcoming shows include:
March 9, Garson - Garson Community Centre (Arena);
March 16, Copper Cliff - McClelland Community Centre (Arena) (waiting list);
March 23, Lockerby - Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 564 (waiting list);
April 6, Dowling - Dowling Leisure Centre;
April 13, Blezard Valley - Valley View Community Church;
April 20, Hanmer - Centennial Community Centre (Arena);
April 27, Azilda - Dr. Edgar Leclair Community Centre (Arena);
May 4, Espanola - Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 39.

For more information about the shows, visit www.travellingcraftfair.com.