Certainly for a show that almost wasn’t, it was a success by any standard.

Yes, the number of vendors was down and the pathways between stalls not quite as bursting with customers as in years gone by.

But there was a show, and it raised money for the community. Testament enough to the dedication of the Women’s Institute, the adaptability of the show partners, the enthusiasm of patrons, and the commitment of the vendors.

“At the beginning, we really weren’t sure if this day would come and we would see this tradition continue, but it was a no-brainer that the Cherry Valley women would come together and make sure this important community fundraiser would happen,” said Cherry Valley WI Branch President Wilma de Wolde.

This is the first year the Cherry Valley WI operated the historic show run for four decades by the Prince Edward District Women’s Institute. 

Organizers were aiming for 120 vendors, but in fact 130 signed up this year. 

“We’re off and running with the ball. We already have plans for next year. We’re really happy and pleased to see this day come. Everybody is smiling and having a good time,” said Ms. de Wolde. The Prince Edward Curling Club partnered with the WI branch to help out. “They’ve been wonderful handling the maintenance, front gate and the financials,” she said.

Personal Poems

A rich variety of hand crafted items from artisans from all over Ontario is the standard at the annual Arts and Crafts show.

The Amazing Alba pens poetry under the name Dawn X. Spectre. She can take a short story or even a few words, and write a poem on a vintage typewriter. She participates in local pop ups at Handworks and the Tambo. She will attend the Kingston Women’s Art Festival later this summer.

“Tell me a story or give me a couple of key words and I’ll write a poem for you or someone you’d like to give it to,” Alba said.

Using the words ‘heat’ to mark the sweltering conditions on Thursday and ‘celebratory’ to honour the feeling amongst the organizers for managing to continue  the beloved Art and Craft Show, Alba typed a 14-line poem in about two minutes for this reporter. It’s just below.

Special Stuff

Napanee’s Ricki Barrett creates sassy, hidden message jewelry through her Glass House Goods line.

Ms. Barrett said she attends about 30 shows a year and her offerings are stocked in stores across Canada, some locations in the United States and more recently, Australia and New Zealand. She will be taking her line to the hit CBC television show, Dragon’s Den, later this year.

“I love that the show here is run by the Women’s Institute. I’m a feminist and I really like supporting their organization and all the good work they do in this community.” 

A new line of kids jewelry has been added to Glass House Goods, called Our Girls. Hidden messages are  inspirational, and promote confidence and bravery. Designed by Ms. Barrett’s ten-year-old daughter Alyna Glass, the pieces have statements such as “I can do hard things,” and “I am brave.”

“Alyna picks the designs, the messaging, and she also models the jewelry. She does it all.”

Longtime show-goer Judy Benway of Hillier was happy to see the show continue.

“I’m missing a few of my favourite vendors that aren’t here this year but it’s so great the show is continuing on and supporting the community,” she said. “We sure would miss it if it weren’t here.”

Post press time, Ron Stakes of the Prince Edward Curling Club reported that 1,460 people attended the show and that local Not-for-Profit organizations such as the Prince Edward Agricultural Society, Perfectly Preserved, County 99.3 FM. etc were provided complimentary spaces to promote their organization or raise funds.

Mr. Stakes added planning and vendor registration is already under way for July 31st 2025.