Pre-Christmas markets will abound in the region over the next four weeks. Local crafters, artisans, and small business owners will be setting up shop in venues around Niverville and Ritchot to bring Christmas shopping a little closer to home. If you’re interested in a cozy, stress-free shopping experience this year, be sure to check them out. It also helps support local entrepreneurs, making gift-giving that much more meaningful for everyone.
Southeast Lifestyles Expo
November will kick off with the Southeast Lifestyles Expo from November 2–4 at the TransCanada Centre in Île-des-Chênes. For the sixth year running, the Expo will focus on home, health, and hobbies. While it is much more than just a Christmas market, local artists will be there with ready-to-go, handcrafted works of art for that special someone.
Approximately 50 vendors from around the southeast will be available to answer questions and demonstrate their products and services. It’s perhaps one of the best places to show your partner what you’d like to find under the tree this year.
“There are a variety of vendors, so guests attending will get a chance to get information on new products for their home, get design tips, and health and wellness [products and information],” says John Falk of Edge Business Solutions.
Presentations will take place throughout the weekend. Presenters will include Kelsey Kosman of Dollhouse Design, Rawnata founder Natalie Dueck, and world-renowned wildlife photographer Dennis Fast. Plenty of door prizes and raffles are waiting to be won. And for those who come hungry, Bigg Smoak BBQ will be on site providing delicious eats. Beer and wine services will also be available.
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5. Anyone 18 and under will be admitted for free. Free adult admission is also available in advance from all the vendors or by contacting John Falk at 204-898-1343.
Niverville Winterfest Craft Sale and Market
On Saturday, November 17, the fourth annual Niverville Winterfest Craft Sale and Market will once again provide shoppers with everything they need under one roof at the Heritage Centre. The one-day event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and showcase products and services from 75 local vendors.
“I think it is the best mix of offerings that we have had,” says organizer Dawn Harris. “I received more requests for space than I could accommodate. I think we are at a spot now where we are recognized as a great place to be.”
Harris says 27 of the vendors are new this year, from woodworkers to honey producers to animal-based counselling services for children and youth. Social Clothing, a company founded by a group of high school students from the Niverville Collegiate, will also be there.
“We have a large venue… [with] such variety,” says Harris. “You can find home décor, food products and treats, artwork, clothing, body care, decorations, and much more—and everything from the whimsical to the practical. We’re not all crafts and artisanal products. About 15 percent of our vendors are direct marketers because we realize that our shoppers want those products, too. Shoppers will feel great knowing that they are supporting the products of local businesses, crafters, and artisans. It’s [keeping our spending] local that helps ensure we have healthy communities.”
Admission is $3 per person. Children 14 and under will be admitted for free.
Howden Community Centre Craft and Vendor Sale
The Howden Community Centre on Red River Drive will host the second annual Howden Community Centre Craft and Vendor Sale on Saturday, November 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In all, 22 crafters and vendors will be on site.
“There will be vendors from Walkins, Norwex, Sweet Leggs, Epicure, Mary Kay, Tiber River, and Tupperware,” says organizer Kim Glowach. “[Also artisans in] photography, jewellery, wood turning, handmade crafts, and honey.”
An activity table will be provided for children to keep them busy while moms and dads shop. A hot lunch will also be on order when those hunger pangs strike, including two kinds of hot soup, muffins, and desserts.
Glowach anticipates that this year will be much like the last year, a resounding success.
“The traffic was busy first thing and again just after lunch,” Glowach says of the 2017 event. “Being that last year was our first year, we were very happy with the turnout.”
Admission will be free for everyone. Lunch can be purchased for the price of a donation. All proceeds will go to towards upkeep of the hall.
IDC Taekwondo Craft Sale and Trade Show
Also on Saturday, November 24, the IDC Taekwondo Craft Sale and Trade Show is an annual event that’s been organized by the IDC Taekwondo club since 2013. The TransCanada Centre in Île-des-Chênes will serve as host location for the show which will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Forty vendors have already signed up for the event, but organizer and Taekwondo Master Jackson says there’s still room for more.
“There are various crafters from baked goods and hand-crafted items to Avon, Tupperware, and Epicure,” says Jackson. “We promote local crafters and trades primarily. However, some are [from] around the province.”
A variety of door prize draws will take place during the day and a canteen will be open and ready to serve guests from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The club will perform a Taekwondo demonstration in the mid-afternoon.
“We felt this was a good way to give back to the community when we were approached to host this event,” Jackson says. “So come do a little shopping and have a snack.”
Admission will be a toonie or a donation of a non-perishable food item. All proceeds from admission will go to assist the local food bank. Each attendee will be entered to win a chance at a door prize.
If you’re a vendor interested in setting up a table, contact Cathy Jackson at pctd@mymts.net.
Whitetail Meadow Christmas Market
A first this year, the Whitetail Meadow Christmas Market will bring shoppers some seasonal cheer on Sunday, December 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Whitetail Meadow Event Centre at the corner of Highways 311 and 200. Approximately 50 vendors will be there to help you fill your Christmas shopping list.
“We have a variety of artists and handmade vendors attending, from kids clothing like Quinn & Dot, Lux Baby, Little Pineapple Design to world-renowned wildlife photographer Dennis Fast,” says John Falk, event organizer. “In addition, you’ll see home décor, original art, and so much more.”
For an added bonus, a café will serve baked goods, coffee, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. There will also be plenty of opportunities to win door prizes throughout the day.
“Guests coming to the market will experience the picturesque beauty of the venue and grounds at Whitetail Meadow,” says Falk. “With all the lights, live music, home-baked treats, and a huge bonfire, in addition to visits from Santa, this will get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”
Admission will be $5 for adults. Anyone 18 and under will be admitted for free. Two-for-one adult passes will be available from all vendors prior to the event.
