If you love to support local talent while having a great time, Burlington MADE is THE craft show to visit this weekend. With Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and end-of-year teachers’ gifts coming up fast, craft shows can be a great place to score unique, handmade gifts that go beyond the typical gift card, but they can also feel like a search for a needle in a haystack. That’s why Stephanie Finn—founder of Stephanie Street Events, The Makers’ Club, and the director of Burlington MADE—has spent the last two years curating some of the best makers in the GTA for her series of lively craft and foodie markets.
For the spring craft market, Stephanie received over 300 applications for just 60 handmade vendor spots. “Our jury spends hours reading every application,” she recalls, “searching for the makers who demonstrate exceptional innovation, creativity, and great taste. We’ve already done the hunting for you—every booth is beautiful. In fact, I’ve been been following some of these makers on social media for years, so I’m ridiculously honoured and excited that they’re participating!” She also curates shopping guides to make gift-giving even easier, especially for those who can get overwhelmed by the abundance of choice at one-day markets.
Burlington MADE is a whole family-friendly experience, with everything from coffee, tea and smoothies to get you started, to perogies and a food truck to keep you fueled. Local Burlington musicians Dan Taylor and Sarah Campbell Mills will be performing throughout the day, and kids can make yarn monsters in the kids’ craft tent run by the Art Gallery of Burlington. There’s even VIP Passes for those who like a pampered experience—those come with an express line at entry, coffee and a butter tart at the show, and a keepsake tote bag with gifts and exclusive discounts from vendors and local businesses. “Those go fast, though,” Stephanie warns, “so go to our website soon if you want one!”
So if you love to shop local and support creative entrepreneurs this spring, visit Burlington MADE and pick up some artisanal hot sauce, jewellery, children’s items, women’s clothing, men’s accessories, modern decor, wooden charcuterie boards and furniture, and so much more.
The Burlington MADE Spring Craft Market runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday, May 4th, at the Ron Joyce Centre, 4350 South Service Road, Burlington. Entry is $5, free for children 12 and under. Parking is included with admission and the building is wheelchair-accessible. For more information, visit www.burlingtonmade.com.
