Creative Chaos ‘full’ for first time in few years

May 31, 2023 | 5:00 AM

Patrons of Creative Chaos will have more to see, eat and shop for at the Vernon Recreation Complex this weekend.

The 46th edition of the arts and craft show will feature about 210 vendors in three buildings, which is more than last year.

“We’re full,” Joanne Horvath with the organizing committee, said.

“Last year, we were having a hard time getting vendors because everybody was kind of sitting on the fence [due to the pandemic], but this year we’re full, and we’ve got people from as far away as Ontario coming,” Horvath told Vernon Matters.

The event is the largest craft fair of its kind in Western Canada, and attracted around 15,000 people over the three days last year.

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The vendors include 14 food trucks.

The hours for the show are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m on Friday, 10-6 on Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday.

Horvath has no doubt they will get great support from their loyal customers, noting last year it rained all three days and “the people still came out.”

Horvath said they advertise around the region.

“We’ve got ads in Kamloops on the TV and radio, and in Penticton on the radio. Global TV has us listed to. There is a lot of people who like to come in a car load.”

With the forecast calling for sunny weather this weekend, Horvath said customers will be able to find cool space in the auditorium which is air conditioned and tents will be up in the food fair and other areas.

“And the Priest Valley is always cool because it’s a rink. The curling rink may be a little warm, but they keep moving around and no one seems to complain.”

The Vernon Girls Trumpet Band and Kalamalka Bagpipers will be providing entertainment.

A free shuttle bus provided by the Schubert Centre will run all three days to give patrons an alternative to parking near the Rec Complex.

“They are doing pick-ups and drop-offs at the Schubert Centre and Kal Tire Place. We had it last year as well but we only had it for two days,” Horvath, who is also a crafter, said.

Horvath said the driver will provide free shuttle service between the two sites about every 15 to 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, from 10-5 on Saturday, and from 10-3 on Sunday.

Admission is free but people are asked to make a donation to the Salvation Army Food Bank, either cash, or non-perishable food items.

Horvath welcomes one and all.

“If you haven’t been before, you have to check it out because there is quite a variety and you need more than one day to do it all basically. Just come and enjoy yourself,” Horvath remarked.

Visit www.creativechaoscrafts.com for more details.

by Pete McIntyre

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