Arcola's Ultimate Ladie's Extravaganza has quickly grown from a bridal fair to a shopping event that caters to all women.
The inaugural event, held last year in Arcola's Prairie Place, was strictly a showcase for all things wedding-related, according to founder, Tammy Workman.
"This event came about as a result of my own experience planning my wedding," says Workman. "I'm adamant about shopping local and I spent a year planning and finding people for our wedding. I said to my husband that it would be great if they were all in one room together. I just don't get why people go to Regina, Estevan and Yorkton, when we have so many great vendors and businesses here."
"Now I'm getting phone calls from vendors and customers after our first year, which was a non-retail event. This year, we've opened it up, so retailers can sell their products right there and women of all ages can attend, enjoy and shop. It's not just a bridal event anymore."
Workman believes the event has proved to be successful for two reasons. "There are lots of Generation Xers in this area who are getting engaged and married," she says. "Also, people in this part of the province are working hard and therefore, time is money. It's not that they don't want to shop locally and support their communities-they do. Hopefully, this event makes that one-stop shopping, wedding or otherwise, that much easier."
Workman says that the 2013 show had over 500 attendees. This year, she's expecting even more, saying that the event's profits will benefit local causes. "Last year, some money went to Arcola Daycare, some to the outdoor pool in Carlyle and some towards Arcola's High School gym."
Workman says that the profits from this year's event will be combined with the profits from a New Year's Eve event she is planning. "This time, we'd like organizations that are seeking help to apply for funding. They can do so by sending their request to: Tammy Workman, Box 157, Arcola. We've already booked a meeting at the Arcola Legion on Jan. 6 of next year, so the public can have a voice in where these funds go."
The event can generate profits because of "donations from many people," says Workman. "We've received donations from so many people, businesses and organizations. Chapmans Grocery in Arcola is a major help. Cheryl Bell has fully volunteered to create and work the event. Arcola Daycare has agreed to staff our cocktail bar for the day. Grade 12 girls from Arcola School have volunteered to model in our fashion show. We have musicians, a dance troupe and so many others who are donating their time or their services."
"I couldn't do this without these and many more people, my family and friends included."
"The event itself will definitely have the 'wow' factor," says Workman. No matter what time of day someone attends, they'll be able to browse 50 vendors offering the best in wedding and shopping that southeast Saskatchewan has to offer."
"We'll also feature fabulous food and a variety of entertainment. People can drop in and shop anytime during the day, or they can stay for lunch, a cocktail or enjoy some live music from local artists."
"We've also got a silent auction and we've also got a bridal package up for auction that's valued at well over $4,500, adds Workman. "This package includes so much, including a wedding planner within 250 km of Oxbow."
This year's event will be held on Sept. 7 from 9am-6pm at Arcola Rink, next to Prairie Place Hall in Arcola. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students.
