The Bragg Creek Community Association (BCCA) has announced the return of its annual Christmas in the Creek Market, set to run Nov. 18 to 20 at the Bragg Creek Community Centre on White Ave.
The market, which was canceled in 2020 due to public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, but returned in 2021, will return again later this month, according to Kim Perraton, general manager of the BCCA.
She said this year's iteration is a blended market with Bragg Creek Artisans, a local group of craftspeople, and more than 50 vendors onsite.
“Normally this weekend belongs to the Bragg Creek Artisans, but we’ve joined efforts with them this year,” said Perraton.
She added that unique to this year’s event is a special wine and cheese event on Friday evening, where attendees can grab a glass of wine and an appetizer before they walk around the market.
“We will [also] have photos with Santa where families are welcome to come and take their pictures with Santa for a donation,” Perraton said of the Saturday and Sunday markets.
According to the general manager, last year’s iteration of the popular event saw 4,000 attendees walk through the doors. She added the BCCA would like to see that number increase this year to help benefit its vendors.
“We had a fantastic year last year, but it was the first year out of COVID,” she said of the 2021 market. “So, with the restrictions released, we’re hoping to see a much broader attended market for sure.”
She added the market will also be free admission for anyone who would like to attend.
By bringing back Christmas in the Creek, the BCCA hopes to provide attendees with an activity to get out of their houses and get their Christmas shopping done in a social environment after two-plus years of COVID-19 lockdowns.
“Everybody should have an opportunity to come and see the area and just get the feeling that the community provides for its visitors,” Perraton said. “I think [Bragg Creek] is one of the most beautiful areas I’ve ever worked in.”
The market will run on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally all spots for vendors have been filled as of press time.
