I don't think I've ever seen an art and craft show I didn't like and we're very lucky here in Niagara in that we have probably 20 very good art and craft shows between May and December. We'll list the telephone numbers for contacts as we find them with the shows so you may ask questions of the organizers, if need be. We don't list the ones that don't have entrance access and at least large portable washrooms suitable for wheelchair, scooter and stroller users but after so many years, most organizers know what people need. Some displays are up on boulevards and in places where most people can't walk much less take a scooter or wheelchair. We'll tell you the lay of the land if we know it with each show.

I go to most of these shows myself and use my scooter at all of them. I also try not to have to use the washroom because it is difficult but have found that, if I must, I can manage.

Some have small admission charges that go to support a community project or organization. Others are free.

I'll make sure every show is updated in the early spring of 2007.

Some of the vendors under cover of the New Market Square in St. Catharines	A wood worker and his wares	Hand-blown glass from Oakville a real find

A Noteworthy "Spring" Art and Craft Show - Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - held on a Wednesday in early May every year at the New Market Hall on King Street in St. Catharines - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. small admission charge benefits Chorus Niagara. The show features juried artisans and artists from across Ontario with hand-blown glass, metal garden art, floral designs, one of a kind clothing, bead jewelry, watercolors and acrylics, primitive folk art, fused and etched glass, kitchen linens, wood turning, hand painted silk scarves, herbs and things made from herbs plus terrific butter tarts that are to die for.
This isn't a big show but there is good variety, it is under cover, the doors to the New Market Hall are all automatic, the floors smooth, and the lighting excellent.

Niagara Folk Arts Festival - Folk Arts in the Park - part of this festival that runs every year from mid-May to early June in St. Catharines is Folk Arts in the Park. Montebello Park in St Catharines features global cuisine and wines, entertainment from around the world and an International Bazaar as well as art from other countries. Crafts include items made from sheepskin, jewelry, carvings, beading, textiles, glass, clothing, kites and all kinds of things made in other countries represented by groups in Niagara. www.festivalniagara.ca or call the Folk Arts Multicultural Centre at (905)685-6589 Ext. 229. Dogs, except guide dogs, are not allowed in the food area.

Artistry by the Lake, July 1 - 2006 - Always July 1 holiday - Queen’s Royal Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake - just look for the gazebo on the water's edge. A lovely show of quality work featuring 75 juried artists and crafters. The park is flat but has sloped edges. If you're using a wheelchair or scooter you can find a flatter place to go in near the food tents and you're all set. The park is right on the lake and many of the crafters are set up under large trees, so even if it is hot, it can be cooler than in town. There is food available to eat sitting on the edge of the park overlooking the water and the entire event makes for a lovely afternoon. Accessible washrooms in the parking lot.

Thorold Arts & Crafts Show
Sat. - Sun. July 15-16, 2006 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Battle of Beaverdams Park, Thorold. (905)227-7248
More than 175 artisans from coast to coast. This is a huge show and it is always during the hottest time of the year. Bring plenty of water and wear a hat. The surface of the park is pretty good and there are paths but also grass to contend with in a few spots. I manage fine in my scooter and tend to stay on the hard packed paths. Never had to use the washrooms but there is always a large portable. Parking is all on-street so you have to find something that suits your personal needs and because of the crowds you may have to park some ways away from the show. Small admission charged. People with disabilities free, but you can pay if you'd like to support the cause.

Grimsby Festival of Art
Saturday, September 9, 2006; A beautiful one day show on Nelles Blvd., in the Peach King Arena and the Senior Citizens Auditorium where there are accessible washrooms. Some of the crafters have their displays up on the boulevard and that makes it difficult for people in chairs and scooters to see the pieces. Most know enough not to do that if possible but a craftsperson canot always pick where they have to set up. Never be afraid to ask people to bring pieces you think you'd like to see to you. A small admission charge gets you into all three areas. Food booths as well.

Marshville Heritage Festival - always the Canadian Labour Day Weekend - Sept. 2-4,2006 Wainfleet - huge art and craft show, classic cars, food (see Festivals). (905)741-7520

Art by the Falls - Oct. 7-8, 2006; Optimist Hall and Park, corner Dorchester and Mrrison Sytreets, Niiagara Falls. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 100 fine artists and crafters, live music, kids entertainment, beer tent; accessible parking. Accessible washrooms. (905)227-7248

Balls Falls Thanksgiving Festival Craft Show and Sale
Oct. 6 - 9, 2006 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Balls Falls is just south of Jordan off of Regional Road 81. Watch for the signs. More than 100 juried crafters, gourmet food and wine tents, entertainment, accessible parking and washrooms, loaner wheelchairs and parcel check. I go to this show every year and love it. There is always something new and the people are terrific. You could easily spend an afternoon or an entire day here.

Vineland Thanksgiving Artfest
Oct. 7-9, 2006 - 10-5 p.m. No admission. On the Vineland Public School grounds in Vineland. A huge show featuring more than 125 juried artisans with pottery, glass, art, clothing, Christmas items, you name it. Parking for disabled on school grounds and accessible washrooms. Plenty of visible organizers to ask.

Jordan Lions Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show
Oct. 7 - 9, 2006 - 9 - 5 p.m. Jordan Lions Community Park, 2789 Fourth Avenue, Jordan, ON
This show, run by the Jordan Lions Club, is four years old, features 130 juried vendors, a food court, very wide walkways and music as well as accessible washrooms. A lot of people do it after Vineland and Ball's Falls - all on the same weekend. Free parking and admission. Barrie Etherington (905)562-4365 or www.jordanlions.ca

A Noteworthy Fall Art and Craft Show
Wed. Oct. 25, 2006; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; New Market Hall, corner King and James, St. Catharines; small but interesting show - accessible washrooms in City Hall.

Broadway Gardens Annual Arts n Craft show and Christmas Store Open House
74 Broadway, St. Catharines (905)935-4659;
Nov. 23-25, 2006; Thurs. and Fri. 10 a.m. till 9 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. till 5 p.m., more than 100 artisans in a greenhouse setting; food, accessible washroom, admission: non-perishable food item or donation.

Thorold Christmas Art and Craft Show
Nov. 18-19, 2006; Thorold Secondary School,
St. David’s Road and Ormond St. in Thorold; accessible washrooms.

Art by the Falls Christmas Art and Craft Show
Dec. 2 - 3, 2006; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Optimist Hall, corner Dorchester and Morrison Streets, Niagara Falls, accessible washrooms, plenty of parking.