MOOSE JAW — The Cosmo Centre was buzzing with energy recently as area vendors gathered for the annual Cosmo Crafts and Trades Fair, offering a wide range of unique products and services to the community.
Visiting from miles away
Sharlene Minto, a returning Avon vendor from Milestone, Sask., brought her selection of Avon products including lotions, bubble bath, and candles. Although her secondary supplier with “31 Bags” recently closed its doors, Minto still had a few handbags left for sale as well.
She’s also no stranger to Moose Jaw and spoke fondly about her experience.
“It was a good day,” Minto said. “It was a nice combination of fun, talking to people, and spending time with the community.”
Minto shared a bit about her life outside the fair — namely, that she’s something of a celebrity in the region.
“I play the character of Delia, a 67-year-old eccentric hotel owner in ‘Always a Bridesmaid,’” she said about a dinner theatre play she was headed to later that evening in her hometown. “Milestone used to do dinner theatres for years; we were quite well known for it. (One production) went to Ireland years ago and won (an award) there.”
After a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, Milestone Prairie Players started back with one-act plays, and are now moving back into full-length productions, with “Always a Bridesmaid” as the most recent show.
To learn more, visit MilestoneSk.ca/Recreation-Culture/Arts/Arts.
Victorian lace and linens
Roberta Johnston, a vendor representing Lori Ann’s Victorian Lace and Linens under her business name, “A Touch of Elegance,” had a steady stream of customers during the fair.
Based out of Regina, Sask., Johnston brings her durable, washable tablecloths to the fair every year.
“They’ve been around for over 30 years, and they’re just fabulous products,” she said about her supplier. “Stains come out with liquid dish soap. Even men can (appreciate) them” she added with a smile.
Johnston, who has been visiting Moose Jaw for years, spoke highly of the community.
“I love Moose Jaw. We come here for spa days and shopping. It’s a quick trip in from Regina,” she said. “Today was (another) great day; it started off a little slow, but then more people came through and it was great to see everyone.”
A Titanic conspiracy
Timothy Knittig, owner of Simcoe Draperies and a hobbyist with a passion for all things R.M.S. Titanic, added a unique touch to the fair.
Knittig, who builds detailed models of the ship, draws from his extensive research into the Titanic’s history to create incredibly accurate replicas. His largest model, measuring five-and-a-half feet long (1.68 metres), is a testament to his precision and hours of dedication — although residents will have to wait until a later trade show to see this flagship model.
“I really research which models to start with,” he explained. “I then drill out windows, put resin for glass, and build my own wiring harnesses. It’s all about the detail.”
Knittig also shared a few details about his unexpected journey into writing, including his new book, “The Titanic Conspiracy: Greed, Fraud, Murder, and the Truth about Which Ship Really Lies at the Bottom of the Atlantic.” In this work, Knittig presents his case to support the theory that the R.M.S. Titanic was swapped with the R.M.S. Olympic as part of an insurance scam.
“I stumbled into writing a book about the Titanic,” he said with a smile. “I’m not really an author, but now, I guess I am.”
Knittig can be reached through Simcoe Draperies by calling the business at 306-692-0616.
The Cosmo Crafts and Trades Fair featured members from the Moose Jaw Art Guild, Moose Jaw Reflexology, Burn.Be Candles, Creative Memories, and several other vendors who made the event a success.
The Cosmo Centre is located at 235 Third Avenue Northeast. For more information, visit “COSMO SENIOR CITIZENS MOOSE JAW” on Facebook.
