Saltscapes Expo April 30 to May 2- Buy Local!

Come and join us at the annual Saltscapes Expo at Exhibition Park in Halifax, NS on April 30 to May 2. We've got coupons for $3.00 off admission at our farmer's market booth this weekend if you'd like to have them.

Exclusive Sneak Peek at Saltscapes East Coast Expo 2010 Plan ahead for the weekend of April 30, May 1 and 2 to attend Atlantic Canada's ultimate BUY LOCAL event - the 6th annual Saltscapes East Coast Expo at Exhibition Park in Halifax. More than 350 quality exhibitors welcome 20,000 attendees to the best of Atlantic Canada under one roof for one spectacular weekend. 100+  demonstrations and presentations with something for everyone. -    Savour the Flavour  -    Culture, Music and Travel -    Home, Cottage and Garden -    Living Healthy in Atlantic Canada -    Unique Retail Marketplace -    Live Entertainment -    Experience the Subaru Off-Road Test Drive Rally -    Be entertained and amazed by the Taste of Nova Scotia's Cutting Edge Culinary competition showcasing talented local Chefs competing in a black box challenge -    Action packed Family Fun Night Friday April 30 Sample Atlantic Canada Food & Drink all weekend long, hear the sounds of talented local musicians, plan a vacation - VISIT! SHOP! BUY! ENJOY! Visit www.saltscapesexpo.com to purchase advance tickets. Click here to view a video about the show. Friday, April 30         Noon - 9 pm Saturday, May 1      10 am - 6 pm Sunday, May 2        10 am - 5 pm Exhibition Park, Halifax Let us help you plan your summer travel experience. Visit our booth at Saltscapes Expo or call to book your hotel accommodations today at 1-877-680-7666

Halifax Farmer's Market

The Halifax Farmer's Market has been a favourite Saturday morning destination for more than 150 years. Its the oldest continually running market in North America, established in 1850. Thats a lot of Saturdays. Currently located at the Brewery Market, its fun to stroll through the maze of rooms, taking in the beautiful sights, the wonderful smells, and the local music. Its great to see so many people dedicated to buying local and supporting farmers and small business.

The musicians above are fairly new to the market. I don't know their names, but I've never seen musicians draw a larger market crowd than they did; vendors abandoned their booths to watch and listen.

The market will be moving to its new location, the Seaport Market at Pier 20 on the Halifax waterfront in July. The building is eco friendly in design, with reclaimed building materials, recycling of rain water, and a roof garden. The larger space will foster accessibility and community. Full markets will run on the weekends and on Wednesdays, with some vendors being open 7 days a week. Click on the picture below for an architectural concept video.

Buy Craft; Local

A great new project by the Craft Alliance ~ Alliance metiers d'arts
Words to live by from the new buy craft; local site:

This is what happens when you buy craft locally...
1. You Embrace the Unique
You want your home to be a unique reflection of yourself... It makes sense that you buy something handmade,
rich with character and a sense of place.

2. You Nurture Community
We all like to support local businesses and causes. Your craft purchase helps us to build strong relationships
within our community.

3. You Vote for Quality
We support the best quality handmade products that meet our guidelines, for the best in local craft. We stand
behind our local craft products as being safe, well made and well designed.

4. You Keep Dollars in Our Economy
Nearly every cent you spent stays in this community. Our craft producers are from the region — many of whom
use locally sourced materials!

5. You Invest in Local Jobs
You are helping to create jobs in your community and region. The local retailer and craftsperson are often
self-employed entrepreneurs, employing themselves and others, many in small towns and rural communities
throughout the region.

6. You Help the Environment
Buying from a local business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and
packaging.

7. You Create More Choice
The nature of being handmade by local craftspeople, in not being mass-produced, are better able to respond to
what you want and like.

8. You Make Dreams Come True
Local craft retailers and supporters are passionate about life and community... so are our craftspeople. More than
anything else, craftspeople want to pursue their dreams of a creative life in their studio and workshop.

9. You Support Local Entrepreneurship
Creativity and resourcefulness are a key to successful creative economies. Small businesses are paramount to
making that happen.

10. You Reinforce Local Destinations
The more memorable and unique we are as a place and people, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors
and guests to our local retailers and craft studios. This benefits everyone!

When you buy craft locally, great things can happen!
Thank you for your support…
© 2 0 0 9 C R A F T A L L I A N C E

You can register here as a supporter of the buy local movement, and you can download nifty web badges, product hang tags, flyers, bookmarks and other great stuff here.