Next weekend, 1-2 July, will see over 65 masters, artisans and makers of heritage trades gather in and around Gympie’s Showground Pavilion in a showcase of the traditional crafts of our past.
The Gympie Rotary Heritage Makers Fair is a celebration of those artisans that keep alive and pass on the know-how of once essential skills that are now almost forgotten.
Why do they come? All agree that nurturing a new generation of makers is essential for the preservation of their craft, and by passing on their knowledge, they pass on an understanding and appreciation of the value, the time, the passion and the pride that has gone into making each unique handmade piece. Even more value is attached if that piece has been fashioned by an ancestor, providing an invisible thread linking us with our past and into our future.
Organisers of the Heritage Makers Fair, the Gympie Rotary Club, have put together a “Mini-Makers” have-a-go program for children, which will be included as another of the event’s numerous attractions.
“Our world is dominated by advancing technology, our kids are technological whizzes, but many don’t know how to sew on a button or use a hammer” says co-ordinator Kathy Kane.
“With the event’s Mini-Makers program, children are given the opportunity to create something with their own hands and hopefully spark a passion that will become a life-long journey.”
With skilled artisans assisting, children can “have-a-go” at papermaking, mosaic design, can make a copper ring or bangle, discover leadlighting, try their hand at signwriting, weaving, knitting and more. There’s “Dot-Art a Bookmark” and “Bling Up a Bauble” with the Gympie CWA ladies offering a tutorial hand. While some of these may charge a small fee to cover material costs etc, it’s well worth it for the thrill your child will get from creating a take-home momento, crafted by their own hands. A Mini-Makers Quest map will have your children on a search for answers to clues – completed Quest clue sheets will earn them some bounty and each entrant will go in the draw to win a Family Pass aboard the Mary Valley Ratter.
In five themed venues, the Gympie Rotary Heritage Makers Fair will include the works of renowned national guest artisans, traditional and contemporary quilts and art quilts in Gympie’s Pavilion, while wrapped around the exterior will be an incredible array of over 65 masters, artisans and makers of diverse heritage trades and crafts creating the sights and sounds of village life and lots of camarderie. Proceeds benefit local charities and community groups, the main beneficiaries include Little Haven Palliative Care and Gympie Gold Mining & Historical Museum.
Free admission to children 15 years and under, must be accompanied by an adult.
Purchase tickets online for $15 (per person/day) at www.trybooking.com/CFJYT for a chance to win a weekend for two at Kingfisher Bay Resort valued at $730. Tickets available at the gate.