The Wild & Free Handmade Market, happening today at Knox Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., has become an annual tradition here in Weyburn. The event provides local homeschoolers with opportunities chance to learn about the various aspects of business, right from production to making change for customers.
Nine-year-old Madisyn Schick and her seven-year-old sister Emily Schick have been homeschooled their whole lives, and have been taking part in the event for the past few years.
"There's lots of other homeschool families, and we've made lots of friends with most of them," shared Madisyn. "There's so many activities we can do. The Handmade Market's one of them, and there's lots of other stuff we do with the homeschool group."
The Wild & Free Southern Saskatchewan group takes field trips and tours of places like the Weyburn Police Service Headquarters, the Weyburn Fire Hall, and the Weyburn Legion. They arrange opportunities for the kids to try out various sports, and they also meet regularly at the Weyburn Public Library for various activities.
Madisyn shared what she likes most about homeschooling: "I like how we get more time with our family, and we're done earlier in the day."
Emily said her favourite part of it is working on her ELA workbook: "It has, like, crafts in it, and writing in it, and reading in it."
One of the 'Small Town Sisters' product ideas for the market, in fact, was inspired by their ELA workbook.
Another perk for homeschoolers is also a perk for the parents.
"We help a lot around the house," added Madisyn.
Madisyn and Emily are looking forward to selling their products amongst more than 30 vendors.
Read more: By the children, for the children: Wild & Free Handmade Market