Artisans Holiday Show Draws 2,000+ and Raises $7,345 for CMHA Grey Bruce
Local artisans, community support, and mental health fundraising came together at this year’s holiday show, which raised over $7,000 for CMHA Grey Bruce.
More than 2,000 visitors made their way through the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre over the weekend for the 2025 Artisans Holiday Show & Sale, a now-annual event that blends local craftsmanship with community fundraising.
Organizers say this year’s show raised $7,345.70 in support of CMHA Grey Bruce’s Youth and Adult Education programs, bringing the total raised over the past four years to more than $21,000.
Held Friday through Sunday, the event featured over 60 artisans from Grey Bruce and surrounding areas offering handcrafted goods ranging from jewellery and ceramics to textiles, woodwork, gourmet foods, natural skincare, and seasonal décor. Organizers described the atmosphere as vibrant and community-driven.
The weekend began with the Friday evening “Sip ’n Shop”, which welcomed guests with complimentary holiday mocktails and a relaxed opportunity to browse vendor tables ahead of the weekend rush.
Food and refreshments were provided throughout the event by Fresh Roots Café & Catering, a CMHA-run social enterprise. Their presence was a highlight for many attendees, continuing a popular tradition that adds to the event’s community-focused feel.
Though entry to the show was just $3, many visitors contributed beyond the admission fee, either through direct donations or tap-to-pay options at the door. Organizers said those extra contributions played a significant role in surpassing fundraising expectations.
Supporting Mental Health Education
Proceeds from the event go directly to mental health education and outreach in the region — supporting CMHA Grey Bruce programs that focus on mental health awareness, early intervention, and community education for both youth and adults.
Organizers say the continued success of the event reflects growing public support for mental wellness and the importance of shared, local experiences heading into the holiday season.
Local Voices: Event is “Essential” for Small Business
Among the dozens of participating vendors was Dayna Donald of Donald’s Honey, a local producer known across Grey Bruce markets.
“We had an amazing show this year,” Donald said. “The organizers put so much time and planning into the show — it helps that many of them are small business owners or vendors themselves, so they really have a good knowledge of what needs to be done to ensure a great show for everyone.”
Donald emphasized the value of events like this to small-scale producers, especially those without physical storefronts.
“For small businesses like ours, it isn’t just important… it really is essential,” she said. “Events like this are super important to us. Not just for sales, but to get out and connect with our community. It’s always so inspiring and reaffirms we are doing what we should be doing.”
Organizers say they look forward to welcoming the community back in 2026.
Photos provided by Holiday Artisans Show organizers.
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