In December, local farmers’ markets have been transformed – into Christmas markets.
Not only are they offering the usual array of fresh produce, local natural meats, fresh baked goods, local honey, preserves and Ontario wines, they have invited local artisans to join the vendors, in keeping with the festive season.
Christmas décor items, Christmas gift ideas, gift baskets and trays abound – and at the Innisfil Farmers’ Market, held Thursdays at the Innisfil Recreation Complex from 1 to 6 p.m., activities include seasonal music by local musicians and a visit from Santa Claus.
One booth at last week’s Innisfil Farmers’ Market not only provided shoppers with unique gifts but also an opportunity to do good. Debbie Holdner was selling “Threads of Hope” bracelets and bookmarks, handmade by families living in poverty in the Philippines.
Threads of Hope is a charity that provides work for over 300 families, who weave the intricate bracelets as a way to lift themselves out of poverty. Half of the proceeds from the sales go to the families; the other half goes to Holdner’s ‘charity of choice’ – “The orphanage we adopted our daughter from in the Philippines.”
That orphanage is Grace to Be Born, a shelter for pregnant girls in crisis, and a home for the children born there. The orphanage provides an alternative to abortion or abandoning the children to the streets.
After the adoption in 2014, the Holdens became “very involved with the Philippines community,” and Holdner set up a booth at the outdoor Innisfil Farmers’ Market during the summer to help promote the charity.
“I thought the Christmas market would be a good idea,” she said – in keeping with the season.
Baklava, hand-crafted Christmas decorations, crocheted hats, preserves – like R Family Farm’s apple pie, Christmas and canteloupe jams, and “drunken jams” flavoured with alcohol – were among the gift ideas, for Christmas entertaining and giving.
The next indoor Innisfil Farmers’ Christmas Markets will take place Dec. 12 and 19.
The Bradford Farmers’ Market holds its Indoor Christmas Markets on Saturdays, Dec. 14 and 21 at the BWG Public Library & Cultural Centre, 425 Holland St. West, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
Come out for the market’s regular vendors, who will be selling baked goods and treats, fresh produce, jams and preserves, maple syrup, local honey, natural meats and more, and will be joined by a selection of local artisans, selling everything from jewellery to holiday décor.
There will be a scavenger hunt and holiday-themed crafts for the kids as Christmas music plays. Season’s greetings!
