Weyburn's largest gathering of local artisans is making its ninth annual return to Jubilee Park on July 13th, and registration is now open for crafters to enter their wares in this year's Gifted Summer Art Market. City Curator and City Rep for the Weyburn Arts Council, Regan Lanning, is already looking forward to the wide range of products that will be presented there. 

"Our markets are 100% handmade, so everything is created by two hands. You'll find watercolor paintings, acrylic oil paintings, crocheted knitwear, pottery, jewelry, fabric and more," said Lanning. "We enjoy seeing craftsmen there, we enjoy seeing artists, we enjoy anything as long as it's created by someone's own two hands."

The annual market first began as a way for vendors in the area to display their work and promote themselves to the community, but Weyburn's support has seen the event grow into a seasonal gathering filled with fun for all ages. The bill is now open for non-profit organizations to join the ranks, and kids can look forward to face painting, bouncy castles, and even a scavenger hunt for additional entertainment. With approximately 800 patrons expected at the upcoming market, Lanning shared that a few new elements are adding to the excitement for this Summer. 

"We have handcrafted food items and specialty drinks coming, and we always include a wide variety of local nonprofits as well," said Lanning. "We don't have any confirmed yet, but in the past we've had the Humane Society, SE Newcomer Services, the Rotary Club, even Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Weyburn. We have also been approached about having some acoustic musicians performing. I'm imagining a very 'Stars Hollow' kind of moment with buskers wandering around, and that just fills my heart."

The outdoor celebration is aiming to feature at least 50 local vendors this year, which should offer an incredible variety of items for shoppers to browse amidst the festivities. The City of Weyburn is also continuing their sponsorship and promotion of the event, ensuring that everyone with a booth receives exposure through their various social media pages. Lanning urges everyone to mark July 13th on their calendars, and for all available makers to prepare for their biggest event of the Summer.

"We really hope that you'll consider joining us as either an artist or as a patron. It is one of my favorite days of summer in Weyburn, it just has such a relaxed block party feel," shared Lanning. "Registration is now open. We've also created a Facebook event where you can find the registration form for artists, crafts, people and such, and very soon the link will also be available on the city of Weyburn website. Our team does an amazing job of marketing for our event, we devote almost a month of posts to it, and every person who registers gets a link our social media as well as teaser photos of their work."

The Facebook Event containing registration links for vendors can be found HERE.  

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