ABOUT

Held annually, over 2 weekends, an amazing array of talented artisans, makers, bakers & food vendors come together all under one roof at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba.  Typically the majority of these small businesses are local, coming 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 a total of twenty five years, from part proceeds from the door admission, 

$ 102,745.00 has been donated to the Canadian Cancer Society & BRHC Foundation, CancerCare – 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 2024!" 

✨Karen Keilback✨