The Bearspaw Community Association’s (BCA) Christmas Market kicks off on Friday, Nov. 29 starting at 2 p.m., and will run two consecutive weekends (Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 and Dec. 6 to Dec. 8) at the Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre.
Now in its third year, the popular annual market normally attracts about 10,000 people over the two weekends.
Tammy Cultrera, board chair and market manager for the Bearspaw Community Association, said she expects about the same numbers again this year.
As to what makes the Bearspaw Christmas Market such a popular event, Cultrera said it's the sheer variety of things on offer to help visitors ring in the holiday season right.
“We've got a little bit of everything,” she explained. “We’ve got 80 plus vendors. We've got hay rides. We’ve got food vendors. We have fireworks on both Saturdays. We've got outdoor fire pits for everybody to come check out. We've got a little bit of entertainment. We got some of the schools coming out to do handbells and choirs. Just something for everybody.”
Cultrera said the BCA also goes out of its way to ensure the event amps up the holiday feeling and vibes in every way possible.
“We wanted to provide that big atmosphere, and make it a little bit more of a Hallmark movie this year,” she said. “We've got some mulled wine. We've got beer from some of our local vendors. We've got a little bit of a Christmas village out here to provide that little bit of a cozy atmosphere.”
And, of course, Santa Claus will be there on both Saturdays, said Cultrera, and many of the most beloved Christmas traditions on display, including a choice pick of Christmas trees.
“We are selling Christmas trees this year to anybody who wants one,” she said. “It gives you that little bit of a kick off to the nice holiday season.”
The fireworks are always a major attraction as well, said Cultrera.
“They kick off at 6:30 each Saturday, and it's kind of a nice thing to come out and watch. And it's nice against the snow, all this lovely snow that we've had over the last little bit here.”
Cultrera said the Christmas Market is the BCA’s most important fundraiser of the year to support the community programming available at the Lifestyle Centre.
“We do this to provide programs for youth in the community, and the seniors,” she confirmed. “We really like to do things for people within our community."
Cultrera wanted to encourage everyone to come out to enjoy the Christmas Market, and find the perfect stocking stuffers and gifts for friends and family.
“You can grab a hot chocolate, and get out there and watch the fireworks, and then come in here and enjoy the warmth, and toodle around the market. There's lots of stuff to buy, and lots of stuff to look at and check out.”
For more information on the market's times and events visit www.bearspawcommunityassociation.com.
