NS Loyal Holiday Expo Starts Today, October 25
A photo taken at the Nova Scotia Loyal Holiday Expo today, October 25, at Exhibition Park in Halifax Regional Municipality. The Holiday Expo is presented by Saltscapes. (Department of Economic Development)
Nova Scotians can get an early start on their holiday shopping and support local businesses at the first ever Nova Scotia Loyal Holiday Expo starting today, October 25, at Exhibition Park in Halifax Regional Municipality.
“The Holiday Expo showcases the talent, creativity and ingenuity of Nova Scotia business owners,” said Economic Development Minister Susan Corkum-Greek. “Connecting holiday shoppers directly with farmers, makers and builders from across the province helps tell the story of the people behind our world class local products.”
Presented by Saltscapes, the Nova Scotia Loyal Holiday Expo features more than 130 local producers, crafters, artisans and makers from regions across the province.
Shoppers can expect to find a wide variety of Nova Scotian products including food, wines, spirits, hot sauces, toys, holiday ornaments and candles.
The Nova Scotia Loyal Kidz Zone will feature hands-on workshops, cookie decorating, colouring contests, crafting, and agriculture-related educational activities with 4-H Nova Scotia.
Gift wrapping will be available on site by donation to the Nourishing Communities Food Coupon Program. The program provides access to healthy, locally produced products for Nova Scotians experiencing food insecurity.
The holiday expo takes place today from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibition Park is located at 200 Prospect Rd., Goodwood.
Quotes:
“As a local artisan, I appreciate Nova Scotia Loyal, as I have seen just how successful this program was in the past year. Our customers love the fact that they are supporting local business. We love that Saltscapes showcases so many local producers and Artisans.”
— Jennifer Sarault, owner, Shy Giraffe Jewelry
“The Nova Scotian Cookie Company is thrilled to be a last-minute addition to the Saltscapes event this weekend! We want to extend our heartfelt thanks for the NS Loyal group for their support, which helps small businesses like ours thrive at events like this. We’re excited to share our love of Nova Scotia products with everyone.”
— Donna Smith-Mayor, owner, Nova Scotian Cookie Company
Quick Facts:
- the budget for Nova Scotia Loyal for 2024-25 is $6 million; the program officially launched in July
- Economic Development announced a pilot voucher program for Acadia and Nova Scotia Community College Kingstec students, staff and faculty
- a new government procurement policy supports local businesses in all sectors competing for government contracts
- implementing and supporting the Nova Scotia Loyal program is in the mandate of the ministers of Economic Development; Agriculture; Finance and Treasury Board; Fisheries and Aquaculture; and Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotia Loyal: https://nsloyal.ca/
Saltscapes expo tickets: https://tickets.saltscapes.com/tc-events/saltscapes-halifax-expo/
Ministerial mandate letters: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters.html