Prince Edward County’s most beloved arts and crafts extravaganza is back for 2025 with an uptick in vendors, tourists, and popularity.

Over 140 makers from all over Ontario and Quebec brought their hand made goods to the Prince Edward Community Centre for a juried and authentic one-of-a-kind arts and crafts show last weekend.

Now presented by the Cherry Valley Women’s Institute, the show is a creative collaboration with the Prince Edward Curling Club. And a revival of the Women’s Institute Arts and Craft show, which ceased operations in 2023.

Maryann McCoy of St. Thomas owns Choices and has been coming to Picton in late July for nearly a decade. She’s been crafting every thing from upcycled denim purses and hand bags to hilarious and unique luggage tags since 1996.

She does fifteen shows a season, primarily in Southwestern Ontario, but makes a point to return to the County every summer.

“It’s a handmade, juried show and that’s so important to vendors like ourselves that want a certain level of quality and appreciate discerning customers. There’s no Tupperware, there’s no multi-level market goods. People will come to shows like these to seek out unique and one of a kind items.”

Supporting the Community

Organizer Wilma de Wolde attributed the show’s success this year to an army of volunteers, including Curling Club members. Proceeds from the show will continue support for a number of initiatives near and dear to the Women’s Institute. Launched over 40 years ago, the original show raised funds for a county-wide senior’s transit solution. Support for Quinte Transit this year came by way of the 50/50 draw.

Proceeds will also support the food banks, libraries and the hospital. Ms. de Wolde said there will be special attention to elementary schools in 2025-26. Special needs children can always use educational materials to support their learning.

“The Women’s Institute has always been an organization that pays close attention to children and families, so supporting special needs children who often get overlooked is an easy choice when it comes to investing the proceeds of the show,” she said.

A Joint Venture

Ron Stakes of the Curling Club said his group has been involved in providing on-the-ground infrastructure support for the craft show since 2021.  Close to 50 club members turned out this year to help set up tables and chairs and direct traffic.

In return, some proceeds help cover the cost of maintenance and upgrades to the rink, change rooms, and kitchen. In fact, since 2011, the club has invested over $500,000 in the curling club.

“This is great opportunity to create a real community atmosphere and support so many great causes while also helping the club maintain its offering without increasing the membership fees,” Mr. Stakes said. 

The 4H Milk Shake booth did a steady business on the day of the show while the Cherry Valley Recreation Committee served up hamburgers and hot dogs.