The Atlantic Craft Trade Show (ACTS), held from February 4-7 at the World Trade & Convention Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, had 23 Prince Edward Island (PEI) exhibitors at the 2006 event. ACTS, a well respected three-day industry event, showcases Atlantic Canadian products that are juried to ensure that standards of excellence are maintained. This year marked the 29th anniversary, bringing over 1000 buyers from across Canada, the United States and other off-shore locations.
“Having Island-made products available in stores across Canada and markets beyond demonstrates how important it is to support Island exhibitors in attending premier trade events such as ACTS,” said Minister of Development and Technology Mike Currie. “Prince Edward Island craft and giftware producers continue to provide unique products of high quality, and consumer demand for these products continues to rise.”
The companies from Prince Edward Island were Malpeque Fine Iron, Canoe Cove Studios, Cass Craft of PEI, Queen’s County Blacksmith, Island Windcrafts Ltd., Dog River Woodworking, Sweet and Sour Gargoyles, Cackleberry Farms Ltd., Roberta Originals, Where Pigs Fly, Happy Glass, PEI Smoked-fired Pottery, Great Canadian Soap Co., In From A Walk, St. Peter’s Bay, Walker’s Jewellery, Sun Blossum, PEI Collection, Pho-Arts, Strike A Pose, Down Home Traditions, Pennikat, Hawkins Pottery and Nature Trails.
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to the continued growth and development of the craft and giftware industry,” said Minister Currie. “Sales for the 23 Island exhibitors exceeded $150,000 at this year’s event. Congratulations to all of the Island companies that travelled to Halifax to exhibit in the 2006 ACTS show.”
ACTS was established in 1976 as a means of developing the craft & giftware sector in the region. The show has helped launch many Atlantic giftware producers over the years and continues to be one of Canada’s premier craft trade show. Originating in a small hotel ballroom in 1976, the event now covers three floors of the World Trade Centre.
ACTS is organized by the provincial governments of Atlantic Canada, providing a bridge between retail and wholesale for crafts and giftware producers. For more information, visit the Atlantic Craft Trade Show website at www.actshow.ca.