Explore local gems at a Burlington craft fair

Hamilton Spectator

21-05-2025

Discover local creativity at the Craftadian Handmade Market in Burlington, where every item showcases its maker's passion, and each purchase supports a local vendor.
The artisan fair at Burlington's Ron Joyce Centre (
4350 South Service Rd.
) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 24, will feature more than 60 Canadian makers offering one-of-a-kind handmade goods.
Beyond shopping, the market has DJ music and gourmet food.
According to show director Jacqueline Hunter, there's something for everyone — from body care and apothecary items to art, ceramics, woodwork, artisan jewelry, handcrafted handbags, candles, prints, knitwear, paper stationery, and more.
Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased
online
or at the door. Children under 16 are free.
Owner Jacqueline Hunter said the name Craftadian (from craft and Canadian)
represents the show's vision of 'small-batch handmade in Canada goods'.
Hunter told the Burlington Post that each show is curated to ensure high-quality, unique offerings, including original artwork and gourmet food.
Vendors are selected by a jury consisting of the Craftadian team and field experts. The number in each category is limited to ensure a diverse selection.
She said her show's focus is
local vendors
, so many are from southern Ontario including Burlington, Milton, Oakville and Hamilton.
She feels supporting local makers and handmade goods is even more crucial now.
'When you're buying from someone local, they reinvest that money in the community, whether it's swimming lessons for their children, sporting events or buying food,' Hunter said.
'Every time we buy from a local maker, we're investing in creativity, passion, and local growth.'
Hunter held her first market (Made by Hand Show) with more than 100 makers in 2011. The idea came when exhibiting her own handmade items (mostly cards and scrapbooking) the previous year. The show was rebranded as
Craftadian
in 2015.
Hunter said the name (formed from craft and Canadian) represents the show's vision of 'small-batch handmade in Canada goods.'
'If you can't attend this show, come check us out in fall,' she continued.
'Craftadian is back at Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington on Nov. 1 and 2.'
For more information about the handmade market,
click here
.