Local businesses, event workers confused as to why big crafts event is allowed to go ahead this weekend

A popular Manitoba craft market is under scrutiny after opening while Manitoba starts to see its third wave of COVID-19. Three of the market’s out-of-province vendors were sent home after failing to self-isolate.

By Stefanie Lasiuk

WINNIPEG – Controversy is swirling around a Winnipeg arts and crafts show that’s been given the green light to go ahead this weekend.

Third + Bird was considered a market, not an event, according to public health officials, which is why it was approved.

“And it was being treated as retail. They had put caps on that at 30 per cent compared to 50 per cent within the orders. They had sold tickets as well to make sure there was a limited number of people within the venue at any given time. So, they took the orders and fine-tuned them and actually made them a little bit stronger to host or manage this retail outing that was occurring,” said Dr. Jazz Atwal, acting deputy chief provincial public health officer.

But the green light for Third + Bird isn’t sitting well with some other people in the event industry.

“We keep being told the dangers of indoor gatherings, public or private. So, the idea that a large indoor public gathering can take place this weekend in Winnipeg is surprising to me,” said Jonathan Strauss, who grew up in the live event world.

Strauss, now president of an event management company, says his clients cancelled their trade shows this year and he doesn’t understand how Third and Bird got around the rules while his clients have moved online.

“It’s not that they have to. It’s the right thing to do. It’s not even a matter of what’s required. It is not safe to host big public gatherings in Manitoba today.”

The co-owner of dconstruct, a Winnipeg jewelry store, calls the market “irresponsible.” Lisa Pointon-Reico says she relies on trade shows too and all of the ones she was planning to attend have been cancelled.

“It feels very frustrating as a small business owner that is trying to do the right thing so that things can go back to normal for all of us and trying to prevent another wave,” she said.

Third + Bird got more backlash after Manitobans noticed an out-of-province vendor posting about “speeding down the highway” a day before the event. Then that vendor was pictured setting up in the venue, apparently maskless.

But Manitoba’s current public health orders dictate interprovincial travellers must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.

“As such a big show as they are, you would think this is something they would have taken care of months ago. And in the first place, I don’t see reason why they’re inviting out-of-province vendors in the middle of a pandemic,” Pointon-Reico said.

The event organizers say three vendors were removed after not following the 14-day isolation requirement. The four other out-of-province vendors withdrew.

Third + Bird declined our request for an interview but said in a statement that it’s taken extended measures to be in compliance with health rules.

“[This] includes reduced capacity, enhanced sanitation, pre-screening protocols, attendee contact tracing, and continued communication of expectations to all participants, including local health regulations,” reads the statement.

“It just seems dangerous, reckless, irresponsible, choose your words. It just doesn’t seem like the right thing to be doing this weekend in Winnipeg,” said Strauss.

Prairie Path Creations declined to comment.

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