4 minute read
Business and Makers Market Celebrates 20 Years
Business and Makers Market Celebrates 20 Years
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
The Spring Annual Home Business and Makers Market has been a staple in the community for 20 years and its popularity and success has not waned in the slightest. This year, around 300 attendees browsed the authentic items from 35 tables from 33 vendors at the market that was held at the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville on May 4.
Organizer Jennifer Hladilo said the main objective of the market is to feature local home-based and small business people. “I have been a Pampered Chef Representative for 16 years.
I've been a vendor at this sale for 15 years. I have been the organizer for 13 years. So, it might be time to pass the reigns.
I just started Busy Buddies Creative Crafts this week! So far, the 'buddies' are made by me, a friend, and a senior friend.
I think it's lasted 20 years because people know it's a great, warm, friendly, fun place to go to and something to do. And because some vendors have been a part of it for so long... people know what to expect. And they know there will always be a couple of new vendors that they better come and check out.
People know they are welcome! Welcome to shop, visit, have lunch, and stay as long as they like.
With support from the public, and back-and-forth support from the business community as sponsors and suppliers, our goal for the next 20 years is to keep going strong!
When a vendor at the sale for 20 years, Nancy Makowecki was asked why she believed she did so well. “My success being a Mary Kay consultant for 20 years wouldn’t be possible without my loyal customers. I strive to be prompt in my service with in-stock items and delivery. Mary Kay is a reputable beauty line and has stood the test of time with relevant and quality products. When I started my Mary Kay business, I advertised in the Vegreville News Advertiser small business ad section. I also relied on word-of-mouth, hosted home parties, and helped organize this annual market.
The Annual Home Based Business and Makers market has grown in number of vendors and customer attendance over the years by having a great organizer, Jennifer Hladilo, who took over facilitating it more than 10 years ago. The market has consistently offered an annual spring and fall event and the community knows if they want that special product they love, they know where to find it all under one roof.”
Vendor Marlene Giebelhaus described her journey in selling Watkins products before the market began in 2004. “Watkins has been around since 1868 and it is known for its quality. I use many of the products in our home.
When the opportunity arose to join a group of vendors at the A. L. Horton School gymnasium, I took on the challenge. I had never participated in a market before. Twenty years later, I still enjoy sharing products from Watkins, and now with a new generation. It has been great meeting people from all over Alberta.
The venues have changed a few times, but the Senior Citizen Sunshine Club has been a great environment. Congratulations to the organizers and vendors for keeping the market going after all these years!”
According to archives from the Vegreville News Advertiser, Taneen Rudyk and Lisa Rowe were the first organizers of this side. Other community members who organized it were Nancy Makowecki, Candice van der Torre, and Cara Fedorak.
