One World Bazaar Celebrates 20 years: A journey from barn to global marketplace

By Shauna Wiseman

In the picturesque village of Manotick Station, nestled among rural fields, One World Bazaar commemorates two decades of cultural exchange, artisanal craftsmanship, and bringing the world under one roof. From its humble beginnings in a converted cattle barn to its present-day status as a beloved community institution of international handicrafts, the journey of One World Bazaar reflects resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to celebrating global diversity.

This year, One World Bazaar introduces new and familiar collections of unique products sourced from their travels in 2024. Highlights include traditional hand-painted furniture from Rajasthan, India; intricate textiles, worry dolls and masks from Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama; mango wood from Thailand makes its vibrant return; new hand thrown ceramics from Oaxaca, Mexico, and so much more. These new additions embody the Bazaar’s dedication to supporting artisans and bringing exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces to Ottawa.

Beyond its role as a marketplace for handcrafted goods, One World Bazaar serves as a cultural hub, hosting events and collaborations that celebrate the rich tapestry of global traditions. From cultural showcases to embassy partnerships, the Bazaar offers a glimpse into the world’s vibrant heritage through dance, music, food and art during its free weekend programming.

Moved to Ottawa in 2004 by Dick and Peggy Bakker, who bought it from her brother, One World Bazaar emerged as an annual fall celebration of cultural and economic empowerment. With a vision to showcase handcrafted goods from around the world bought directly from the artisans themselves, the Bazaar quickly captured the hearts of Ottawans, drawing visitors from far and wide to its rustic charm.

Reflecting on the early days, Dick Bakker recalls the anticipation that accompanied the venture. “We started this with a fair amount of uncertainty, but the overwhelming support from the community affirmed our belief in the power of cultural exchange.”

Peggy Bakker echoes this sentiment, reminiscing about the meticulous preparations leading up to the inaugural opening. “There was a sense of excitement in the air,” she reflects. “The transformation of the barn into a bustling marketplace symbolized the beginning of a remarkable journey.”

In the spirit of that journey, this year One World Bazaar is excited to be hosting a fantastic contest. A chance to put your wanderlusting boots to work in their See The World Giveaway with a $2000 flight voucher for anywhere in the world!. Enter by visiting their website or in person at the Bazaar. While they have been recreating the feel of far off market places for 43 years, this is their way of saying thank you and encouraging visitors to go and see these destinations for themselves.

“We firmly believe that traveling offers so much to appreciate, learn, experience and savor. We’re so excited to offer this to a lucky winner who is sure to tick a couple things off their bucket list!”

One World Bazaar runs from September 19 to November 17, opening every weekend from 10 am to 5 pm, the first two Thursdays, and every Friday through Sunday. Special hours are also available on September 30, October 14, and November 11 (12-5 pm). Visitors can capture family photos on a hay wagon, take home a pumpkin by donation, or sit in an authentic rickshaw from India.

Warm up with a hot coffee by the fire, get henna art done, or have your tarot read. Enjoy performances by local musical artists from a shipping container stage, and savor food from Dhruvees Restaurant (Fridays-Sundays) and curated drinks from Pompette Pours Mobile Bar (Saturday-Sundays). Baked goods from Hall’s Apple Orchard and Euphorium Emporium are also available.

This year, the Bazaar offers even more opportunities for cultural exchange and entertainment, featuring a boho opening weekend (Sep 21/22), Indian Focused Weekend with Bhangra dancers (Sep 27/28), Indonesian Weekend with gamelan performances (Oct 5-6), Latin American Weekend (Oct 19/20), and Day of the Dead Weekend with an altar and live mariachi band (Oct 26/27).

As One World Bazaar embarks on its next two decades, under the leadership of Anneka Bakker, the vision remains clear: to continue fostering understanding, appreciation, and connection through the power of artisanal craftsmanship and cultural exchange. As the Bazaar celebrates 20 years is not just a milestone but testament to embracing new opportunities and challenges. “Our commitment of supporting artisans and promoting cultural diversity is still the central focus of what we do,” Anneka affirms. “As we look to the future, we are excited to continue facilitating opportunities for people to experience the cultures of the world, whether that be through handcrafted goods, cultural programming, or international cuisine. We can’t wait to open our door for another season and share this passion with you all!”

Featured Image: Anneka Bakker and her family went on a trip to Indonesia to meet artisans and bring items back for this year’s One World Bazaar on Mitch Owens Road east of Manotick.