The Airdrie Farmers’ Market will be hosting its first Christmas Show at the Town and Country Centre, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There will be no entrance fee to the event; a donation of a non-perishable item to the Airdrie Food Bank will get you through the door.
“This show is different from many events that happen around Christmas time because there is so much more home-made treats made in certified kitchens,” said Candice Kolson, manager of the Airdrie Farmers’ Market. “We have really high expectations because the Farmers’ Market is so well received.”
The event will feature face painting, balloon animals, magic shows and a cookie decorating station.
“Instead of seeing the same kind of businesses that you see over and over again at Christmas shows, there will be unique home-made things that you can only find at a farmers’ market,” said Kolson.
“A lot of our vendors work through the winter but there are not a lot of places for them to showcase their wares so this was a perfect fit.”
The show will include about 70 vendors featuring everything from baking, to candy, purses, jewelry, children’s clothing and toys.
“There will be a really positive, hometown feeling,” Kolson said.
“You can run into a neighbour you haven’t seen in a while in a really friendly, open atmosphere. Christmas brings out the best in people and is everyone’s favourite time of the year. We are hoping for about 7,000 people because the more people we have, the more food we can donate to the food bank.”
Kolson said she decided to make the event a fundraiser when she saw the “amazing work” the Airdrie Food Bank does in the community.
“This is our opportunity to give back to the community,” she said.
“We wanted to give non-profits a hand-up. I see the things they (the food bank) do in the community and I am really impressed with the friendliness and willingness of them to do things for others in the community.”
Lori McRitchie, executive director of the Airdrie Food Bank, said a partnership between the food bank and the Farmers’ Market makes sense.
“It is such a good fit for a farmers’ market to be raising food for us,” she said.
“This will help us stock our shelves and make sure we can meet the growing needs that continue to grow.”
She said the organization is also looking to partner with the food bank for the summer market.
“We wanted to help them year around because it is not just Christmas when they need a hand up,” she said.
“We want to focus on the summer months when the market will see thousands of people each week.”
Kolson said the Christmas Show will also be a great opportunity to spread the message of shopping locally.
“I’m a big fan of thinking locally because the more you support local businesses, the more amenities that will come to the city,” she said.
“We would love to see everyone come to the show because if you love the Farmers’ Market, you will love the Christmas Show.”
For more information on the Airdrie Farmers’ Market or the Christmas Show, visit www.airdriefarmersmarket.com
