FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the show and where will it be held in 2024?

In 2024, The Mother of all Craft Shows is heading back to the Ramada Belleville to showcase over 70+ artisans showcasing in two ballrooms!

How long has the show been around?

15 amazing years!
Founded in 2010, The Mother of all Craft Shows has showcased and fostered the creative talent of local, regional and County artisans.
In 2014, Mother celebrated her 5th anniversary complete with games, raffle prizes and birthday cake!
In 2019, the show celebrated another milestone - turning TEN! It was amazing to celebrate 10 years of creativity with new and returning artisans and we were all delighted to the show of support from the community to shop local, shop small, shop Canadian handmade!

How many exhibitors will be at the show?

In 2019, we hosted over 90+ makers in 4 ballrooms at the Ramada in Belleville.
In 2020, the show was cancelled due to Covid.
In 2021, we pivoted due to Covid and operated a month-long Retail Pop-In Shop operating for and showcasing the works of 50 makers!
In 2022, we're back to a one-day, in-person, 50+ artisan market at our new, intimate venue - The Grand in Belleville.
In 2023, the 14th annual event showcasing small shop love with 50+ artisans at The Grand in Belleville!
In 2024, the 15th annual event is back to the Ramada Belleville to showcase 70+ amazing artisans in 2 ballrooms!

How many shoppers come out to the show?

I’d like to become an exhibitor. How do I apply? When does the show launch?

Mother launches at the beginning of the year. The "Call to Artisans" goes out in JANUARY via newsletter and our social sites.
To hear this "call", subscribe to our Mailing List. If you like and follow us on Facebook or Instagram, you will also see the show launch.
Visit our Apply Page and be sure to submit all of the required information by the application deadline for the curation process.

Can I apply by sending an email or mailing in my application?

For consistency and ease in the curation process, we can only accept electronically “on-line” applications via our Apply Page.

Do I need to apply to this year’s show if I have already applied to (or attended) one of your previous shows?

Yes, you’ll need to apply to each and every show that we produce as we jury and curate each as a new event.
Be sure to visit the applicable event websites when you hear the "call to artisans."

I don’t make my product, I represent a line, can I still apply to the show?

Unfortunately not. The Mother of all Craft Shows prides itself as a 100% handmade artisan event accepting only creations
handcrafted by the artist, artisan or craftsperson applying to the show.

Why is the show juried?

We jury and curate our shows for a number of reasons: originality, quality, technical excellence, the right fit, salability;
creativity of booth display including packaging;
limits in product categories making for an interesting and diverse show;
our vision, including the need to change things up in order to keep the event fresh for our returning customers, and to give another
fellow artisan an opportunity to exhibit.

Some shows have many artisans selling jewellery or the same product? Do you limit the number of artisans in each category?

Yes, we impose limits in product categories so that no one category is over-weighted.
The Jewellery Category is designated only for artisans whose main focus is creating jewellery and we make sure that each
exhibitor specializes in different design styles or techniques. The same goes for many other categories.

Can I share a space with a friend?

Due to space limitations, we cannot accept shared applications. Each exhibitor will need to submit their own application for the jurying and curation process and submit the same fee.

How will I know that I’m accepted?

An acceptance notification will be emailed to all applicants usually within a week of the submission deadline. This email will include the time sensitive show contract and fee deadline. Be sure to respond promptly, as missing this deadiine will forfeit your space, with the space being
given to the next artisan on the show's wait list.

I applied to the show and wasn't accepted. Why?

As artisans ourselves, it's always a very difficult decision to have decline applications. Unfortunately, due to the venue capacity, we are only able to select a limited number of exhibitors to fill the spaces. Please, never ever let this discourage you from applying to our future shows and know that, should we have any cancellations, we keep your information on file -- on the show's wait list -- and we would contact you should a space become available in your product category.

Why do I have to provide donated items?

As part of the acceptance criteria, all artisans are required to donate 1 of their handcrafted creations for raffle prizes in addition to their table fees. Your donated items help to raise the much needed funds for our local charity, www.fixedfurlife.com, who work tirelessly to help stray and abandoned pets in our community.

I’d like to help out. Can I become a volunteer?

Yes, we’re always looking for volunteers! Send us an email [email protected] and we’ll contact you!

A tidbit of Mother's History!

In 2019, due to the growth and popularity of Quinte's original Mother's Day event, the show moved to a bigger, roomier, ALL-INDOOR venue - the Ramada Hotel (formerly the Travelodge) at 11 Bay Bridge Road in Belleville with artisans showcasing in FOUR ROOMS: the Windows, Park, Sagonaska and Belleville Ballrooms. The venue was wheelchair accessible, with ample free parking and has an ATM on-site.
From 2010 to 2019, the show was held at The River Inn in Corbyville with artisans showcasing indoors and outdoors along the Moira River.
In 2019, due to the growth and popularity of Quinte's original Mother's Day event, the show moved to a bigger, roomier, ALL-INDOOR venue - the Ramada Hotel (formerly the Travelodge) at 11 Bay Bridge Road in Belleville with artisans showcasing in FOUR ROOMS: the Windows, Park, Sagonaska and Belleville Ballrooms. The venue was wheelchair accessible, with ample free parking and has an ATM on-site.
In 2020 Covid had The MOACS pivoting to an on-line market - just 3 weeks shy of the show date!
In 2021 The MOACS became a month-long Pop-In retail shop ... and it was fun to once again operate a brick & mortar retail location!
From 2022 to 2023, The Mother of all Craft Shows was held at The Grand - a lovely, intimate venue, owned by a lovely and gracious host!