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ABOUT
Our long and successful history
From a room full of tables in 1989, the Annual Brandon’s “Big One” Arts & Craft Sale has continued to evolve over the years.
Our 2020 sale weekends were to be held as usual, that was until our lives were turned upside down by the CoVid- 19 pandemic. Unfortunately, our in-person sale weekends had to been cancelled due to the restrictions regarding large indoor events, through Manitoba's Restoring Safe Services.
It felt like deja vu for 2021. Although restrictions were slowly being lifted in the province, it was confirmed September 1st, that the Covid Super Site would still be needed at the Keystone Centre and that our rooms, were unavailable for us to proceed. After looking at a number of possible scenarios, it was decided to once again, wait until 2022 to be back in person in the BIG way that we are used to.
Held annually at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, an amazing array of talented artisans, makers, bakers, food vendors and local small businesses come together all under one roof at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba. Typically the majority of these small businesses are local, coming mostly from Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Brandon’s “Big One” has definitely come a long way over the years. When I took over the sale at year 8, it was a room full of tables. I was a vendor in the sale for a few years, so I was aware of the growth potential. The first change that was made was to bring in trade show curtains for booths. The idea was to give each of the vendors the opportunity to be creative with their displays and sales areas. It worked, the creativity has just kept coming! The sale has overflown into a second large room at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, now also held over two weekends each October. Each weekend features different makers, so you may even be tempted to drop by a couple of times!
Quantities are limited in each category so that we are able provide a great variety of items at each sale weekend. With a loyal following of customers who demand a quality show of original work, it is a continuous process, searching out original works to provide variety. Everything is handmade, so you probably won't find the exact same items again next year. Trends change and so have our vendors and their products.
“I’ve learned over the years: if you see something from a maker that you like, you should buy it, because It may be gone when you go back!”
The “Big One” also has a big heart! Over the last twenty six years, from part proceeds from the door admission, $97282.40 has been donated to the Canadian Cancer Society & BRHC Foundation, Cancer Care – here in Brandon, who in turn support the entire Westman area. We have been very fortunate each year to have local UCT Brandon Council #448 volunteers take care of our admission areas. One of the charities that they (UCT) support annually is also the Cancer Society, so that is where our donation goes each year.
The future of Brandon’s “Big One” is very exciting. We hope to continue to draw large crowds and will continue to work on keeping the show filled with a variety of handmade arts & crafts each and every year! Thank you for your continued support of our many small business in the local, handmade community.
"We loved seeing everyone once again this October 2023!" - Karen Keilback
