'It's great, it's very festive': tattoo convention returns to Winnipeg
The return of conventions to Manitoba continues, as the Winnipeg Tattoo Convention brought skin art enthusiasts from around the world to the Red River Exhibition Park this weekend.
Event coordinator Rich Handford was excited to be back after a two-year absence, "It is exhilarating! Tattoos are iconic images that speak to everyone in one way or another," he said. "After two years of pretty severe provincial regulations, it's wonderful to be back and hosting all of these smiling faces."
More than 200 tattoo artists were at the event, 70 of them from Manitoba. Handford says some artists traveled from as far away as England and Spain to attend. "We have some of the best men and women working in tattooing today at this show," he said.
Tattoo artist Safwan was there with four members of his crew representing Imago, a Montreal-based tattoo shop. He says it's great to be back at a convention after two years of health restrictions.
"It was devastating for a lot of people, we're still standing, luckily there's still shows happening like this one, but yeah it was a tough one for everybody," he said.
The convention ran for a few hours Friday evening, all day Saturday until 11:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Other attractions included live music and a beer garden, as well as motorcycles and classic cars.
Safwan says tattoo conventions are an integral part of his business. "We connect with our peers, connect with the general public in a way that you can't do in a shop. It's great, it's very festive," he said.
"It's a chance for us to get back together as an industry and show what we can do."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.