Going to the chapel soon? Will there be wedding bells ringing in the coming months? If that's the case, you have an ample amount of planning to do. This involves hiring a DJ, choosing a wedding cake and of course finding that coveted dress and tuxedo. But for many people in southeast Saskatchewan this can be a problem. So much so that many soon-to-be newlyweds head to the big city. This was one problem Tammy Workman faced when she recently got married. She has however developed something to ease the frustration many couples face, in the area as well as finding a way to raise money for the community.
"My husband and I got married last year and we had a very difficult time finding a local wedding vendor, so I decided to put the work I did for our wedding into one room and add to it, to showcase what our corner of Saskatchewan has," she said.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, Workman held the first ever Bridal Extravaganza at the Prairie Place in Arcola, SK where 42 wedding industry businesses gathered and displayed all they had to offer. Patrons were able to peruse a variety of products and services at the event. From wedding dresses and cakes to photography and jewelry, those in attendance saw the best of southeast Saskatchewan. All proceeds from the event will go to the Arcola school new gym development and the Crescent Point Leisure Complex. Booths were occupied by businesses from all across the southeast including Carlyle's very own King's Department Store. The store had several tuxedos on display and owner of the business, Ken King explained the store has been renting tuxedos for 25 years now and over the years it has garnered some success.
He represents two companies, one from Saskatoon and the other out of Vancouver and says the companies do very good work. He also commended the initiative of the organizer and the effort to popularize local businesses. "I think it is awesome, I think it's a great marketing tool, I mean it's not only a great marketing opportunity for us but everybody in the building is able to show themselves off and I think it's a great idea," he said.
Garth Malayney owner of Saddle and Steel Music Productions out of Yorkton, SK was one vendor at the show that also praised the efforts of the event and the push for people to support local businesses.
"Ultimately for anybody you want to be a local shopper and it does help the local people run their businesses because that's what they enjoy. They are pouring their heart and soul into a business and not only that but more times than not, you can't actually imagine what they are taking they're lives away from to keep their business running," Malayney said.
"And if they don't get the support from the surrounding area or people in the town, it's hard on the business and the business actually folds because people get frustrated with it."
Patrons were not limited to shopping and viewing the booths as there was an entertainment session that involved the attendants dancing and participating in competitions that yielded various prizes. In addition several vendors spoke of the business they were acquiring at the event. DJ, Terry Rehm, owner of Arcola based TR Sounds spoke of the number of bookings he gained at the show. "Business is awesome right now, I can't believe the booking I got - like six. From the minute I started it's just been going crazy. And I hope to get many, many more today," Rehm said.
The event proved to be a hit with both vendors and patrons, Workman said she had some challenges in organizing the event but explained that she plans to continue.
"I hope to be able to recruit many other people to help me because taking this on singlehandedly is a lot of work. I would like to keep this going, I would," she said.