For many locals it marks the start of the Christmas craft fair season: “A Touch of Saltspring,” December 4th through 6th at the Panorama, returns to the Peninsula for another year. With over 230 crafters and artisans from all over B.C. and Alberta, this is the largest attended arts and crafts show on Vancouver Island.
The three-day family-owned-and-operated extravaganza brings together high-quality, artisan-crafted goods under one roof.
For example, visitors will find hand-turned wooden bowls, exquisite leather goods and prints and cards featuring Canadian wildlife and scenery. There are also many delicacies for the foodies: jams, fudge, truffles, pastries, seafood, Christmas baking, canned goods and other decadent goodies. Colourful scarves and hats beckon from the stalls of textile artists and seasonal decorations lend a festive air. Not to be forgotten are the many examples of beautiful handcrafted pottery, jewelry and ironwork sculpture.
Changing liquor laws mean that new at the fair this year is the addition of several local distilleries, wineries, breweries and a cidery that will be sampling, selling and showing their products to fair visitors.
2015 marks the 11th year Touch of Saltspring has been held at Panorama Recreation Centre. The huge space of the indoor tennis arena is the perfect venue, allowing many people, vendors and visitors to mingle under one roof. There is even on-site catering so you can have a bite to eat when you get hungry and stay all day!
To ensure the event runs smoothly visitors are advised not to park at the recreation centre itself. There is a park-and-ride shuttle service provided from Rotary Park, off Canora Road.
Cost is $5 for a three-day pass. A Touch of Saltpring takes place Friday December 4th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and December 5th and 6th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Panorama Recreation Centre, 1885 Forest Park Drive, North Saanich.
If you are looking for unique and thoughtful gifts for the holiday season, make a point to come see the show.
