According to the event’s organizer Renée Savoie, the event was an opportunity for locals to get their Christmas shopping done in one spot while supporting artistic entrepreneurs from the region.

Titled “Savoir Faire”, Savoie said the name derives from her last name and refers to the term expertise because that’s what artisans strive to offer with their work.

“To have savoir faire is to have a certain quality about it,” she said.

The event featured 16 local artisans selling a wide variety of home-made commodities for attendees to scratch off their shopping lists, including wool toques, natural soaps and cleansers as well as artsy prints and wall posters.

Keeping the attendees from going too hungry or thirsty throughout the day, Demeter Catering pumped out a wide variety of delicious pastries, including home-made buns, scones and cookies.

While most parents roamed the hall, eyeing the best deals on the market, a number of kids kept themselves busy at the craft-making table at the back of the hall where they created all sorts of Christmas decorations.

Plus, volunteers sold tickets for a couple of raffle baskets filled with all sorts of products donated by the participating artisans.

“There’s a reward at the end hopefully for a couple customers,” she said.

Savoie explained that, after experiencing the Pontiac Farmer’s Market for the first time, last summer, she was impressed by the quantity and quality of talented artisans in the area, which prompted her to organize a market of her own.

“I noticed that there are a lot of artisans in the region here,” she said. “There wasn’t really a craft fair going on, so I thought I’d start one.”

For Savoie, the best part about putting on the event was gathering local artisans in one place and giving them a chance to promote their stuff to the public.

“I’m all about community and trying to bring these artisans together,” she said. “I feel like it’s important that people feel supported and it’s nice to showcase them and have people in the community find them. That to me is more fulfilling that making any money.”

While the turnout wasn’t as high as she would’ve liked, Savoie said she was still happy with how the event played out and is optimistic about the prospect of bringing it back for a second edition next year.

“I’m hoping that it’s going to continue and it will bring more artisans,” she said.

The Luskville Community Centre, was host to 16 local craft vendors on Sunday, during the first edition of “Savoir Faire” – a local artist’s take on community flea markets. Pictured, the event’s organizer Renée Savoie stands behind her kiosk topped with hand-made Christmas crafts.

Charlene Mitchell proudly shows off her vast collection of knitted winterwear on Sunday afternoon.

Meghan Racine sits behind her collection of home-made soaps and lotions.

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