The Feminist Twins are proud to present the 5th annual Feminist Fair taking place on Sunday November 4th at Makerspace North.

This event is a vendor’s craft market, fundraiser, and showcase for several non-profit organizations. It is ALL AGES, pay what you can (no one turned away for lack of funds!), with proceeds going to local feminist initiatives (non-profits and community groups are encouraged to apply for funding, check out our website www.feministtwins.com for more info).

Some things you can expect from our vendors include buttons, pins, patches, jewellery, clothing, bags, books, zines, prints, art, donuts, plants, and more! Come support local artists! In addition to vendor tables, there will also be tables promoting the work done by local non profits & grassroots organizations! It is a great opportunity to learn more about some of the work done to support women and queer folks in Ottawa!

A vendor list will be added in October, so please stay tuned! Please note that vendor applications for this year’s fair is closed and we appreciate all who applied! We are happy to say we have had more applications than ever before. Thank you for your support!

We are currently looking for sponsorship, so if that is something you are interested in we ask you email us at feministtwins@gmail.com. We will be looking for volunteers in the month of October! 🙂

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Why: This event raises awareness about local businesses/ initiatives (many of which are women led) and also create a space for folks and families to hang on a Sunday! Think of it like a really cool social justice oriented craft fair (with snacks!). Also we ask that people make a donation at the door. It could be 1$, it could be 10$, and it’s also okay if you are not able to donate. If you are not able to make a donation, we still want you there! If you are able to donate, funds goes to support local initiatives and they will appreciate your support.

Who: The Feminist Twins are (actual) twins living here in Ottawa and we like to promote womyn and safe(r) space and events and cool people. We are basically a two person cheerleading squad (minus the pom poms). Kayla put on the first Feminist Fair four years ago at Pressed and since then we have expanded it! We hope to make this year’s Feminist Fair the biggest and more inclusive and accessible fair yet! This year, to make the fair more reflective of more voices, the 5th annual Feminist Fair is directed with the support of a steering committee. They help us to build upon our core values and create a fair which continues to be as accessible and family friendly as possible (within budget). They also helped us go through applications, organize volunteers, and are overall amazing.

Where: This year we have changed the venue to Markerspace North (250 City Centre Ave #216) which is best accessed by the top of the ramp. This venue is on the backside of the bays facing east (the opposite side of Art is In Bakery, for example). We will have some signage to help guide people to the building. Makerspace is at City Centre, across from Bayview station. We have switched venues this year because of feedback from last year’s fair that there was not enough space.

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Accessibility:

– The venue can be accessed by stairs or ramp. You can drive your car to the top of the ramp, as there is parking. There will be additional parking in the general City Centre parking lot. Please note that parking is FREE for the first 90 minutes.
– We’re doing it again! Free pizza lunch on site. Please note that pizza will be served at NOON and it is *first come first serve*. We will be asking that folks just take one slice at a time to ensure everyone there at lunch will have some pizza (There will be gf & vegan options as well!) If you have food restrictions we will do our best to accommodate but we need to be notified before October 13th.
– Unfortunately we cannot guarantee a peanut free/nut free space so please use discretion if you buy food onsite or have pizza.
– There will be childminding this year on site. This means children will be attended to in the same space as the fair, and will be given crafts and coloring books. To sign up for childminding, you will fill out a form on site.
– Please be aware of scents (perfumes, body spray, etc) and how they may affect others. Keep all scents to a minimum.
– Please do not take pictures of people without their consent.
– If you are feeling unsafe for any reason, please speak to a volunteer. They will be wearing name tags.
– There are four washrooms in total. Two of the washrooms can be found in the mainspace. The other two washrooms are located in the North lab room (where childminding will be held). A map will be included. Please note these private washrooms are not large enough to bring a wheelchair inside but they can be left outside the doors. Washrooms will be gender neutral.
– There will be a henna artist this year! We suggest that if you plan on getting henna art done, to save it for last as we want to avoid wet henna coming into contact with vendor items.
– Aside from pizza lunch, there will be a donut and coffee for sale on site for food.
– There will be some seating available.

If you have any questions or comments about this list, please email us at feministtwins@gmail.com