What started as a small church Christmas market has grown into one of Winnipeg’s largest celebrations of local creativity, as Third + Bird brings together over 150 makers while continuing to support entrepreneurs both at home and around the world.
“We are Winnipeg’s largest urban market,” says Chandra Kremski, the CEO and Founder of Third + Bird.
“We bring together over 170 creatives, and we put them under one roof. They sell goods from house items you’d use every day, food, or luxury items like jewellery, pottery, things that are a little more for yourself.”
The market is a celebration of Canadian entrepreneurs. While the majority of booths come from Manitoba makers, there are creatives that come from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario for this event.
Eighteen years ago, Kremski put on a Christmas market at her church, Winnipeg Centre Vineyard. Today, Third + Bird marketplace has expanded to the Red River Exhibition Place, at 3977 Portage Ave.
“It’s a three-day market. Friday is sold out, that’s our early bird market. It’s a little bit more of a special evening as people get dressed up, they get a free custom tote bag, and a couple of extra perks. Saturday and Sunday is a great family-friendly time for people to come.”
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At the same time Kremski put on these annual fundraising markets, she was also raising two daughters. Her eldest was one when this all started, and this year she’ll be running her first booth.
“She’s helped out at the markets every year of her life. She’s debuting her freeze-dried candy called Yummies. I’m so proud of her. She’s worked really hard. She’s going to Springs college right now, so this is a great side business to help support her way as she’s in college.”
Supports local makers and women entrepreneurs in Nepal
Being able to help others in need is important to Kremski, including through this market. Each maker must give something of there’s at the beginning of the event that goes into a draw for customers coming to the market.
While people can win incredible items, the money gathered from the raffle goes to help women in Nepal go through three months of tailoring school. Once completed, they are gifted a sewing machine to start a micro-business to help support themselves and their families.
On top of helping on the other side of the world, the market helps keep Canadian businesses going, helping encourage buyers to spend their money with local entrepreneurs.
“A lot of us has noticed a shift. We’re seeing a lot of stores closed their doors, or their shifting to online only. I think, if we don’t show up to these in person shopping experiences, more of that is going to go away. Then our choice gets taken away.”
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on their website. This spring market is showcasing 40 new vendors that haven’t attended the event in the past.