November 8, 2021
The “Create & Grow in the Dehcho” fall fair was held in Fort Simpson in September. Coordinated by the Open Sky Creative Society with sponsorship from the Department of Industry, Tourism & Investment, the event showcased the creativity of local artisans while celebrating the local fall harvest.
Create – represents the Artists of the Dehcho region; and Grow its Food Harvesters.
In addition to bringing awareness to both the Arts and Agriculture sectors of the region, the fair also offered workshops on making beaded cardholders or earrings; as well as jam and pickles.
The NWT Arts Program attended the fair with information and promotional items available. Artists were encouraged to register for the program which is also available to NWT retailers or organizations that promote and sell artwork created by NWT artists.
Meanwhile the Fort Simpson Community Garden, with garden coordinator Elizabeth Hardisty, and Sambaa K’e Community Garden, with coordinator Kathryn Scott were also on hand to proudly display their harvest to the approximately 140 people who attended the fair.
For the Open Sky Creative Society (OSCS), one of the primary goals of this year’s event was to raise and gauge public awareness for a new initiative that would support start-up food production businesses and market opportunities. The idea of being able to buy fresh produce weekly from local growers was enthusiastically supported by everybody.
