Christmas shopping kicked off in Estevan this past weekend as the Kinette Club hosted the 28th annual Craft Show.
The Wylie Mitchell Hall was bursting at the seams with close to 40 vendors, featuring everything from baked goods and ornaments, to books and niche gift ideas.
Kinette member and craft-show organizer Melanie Tribiger said there was some concern in the days leading up to the event because some of the vendors had told her they heard a rumour the show was cancelled. Of course, the show was to go on, and despite that seed being planted, nothing more grew out of it, and each of the 37 expected vendors showed up.
The vendors were happy with the setup and turnout, said Tribiger, who has chaired the event for the last three years.
"The ones I spoke to said they had a really good day. They're coming back."
Next year's craft show is planned to continue the tradition, to be held on the same weekend and same place as it has since the event was turned over to the Kinettes from the Quota Club five years ago.
More than 650 people came through the hall's doors over the weekend. Tribiger said for a lot of them, it's the first shopping they do with the Christmas season in mind. Bringing shoppers into the craft show is just another way to encourage and support local options during the holiday season.
Many of the booths prepare for that kind of shopping so many were displaying decorations or homemade gifts.
The event also added the involvement of another local organization, with Estevan Minor Football being called in for take down after the show ended.
Now that it's gone, people have a whole year to look forward to the 29th annual show next year, which Tribiger assured is already a go.
