Find something special for the people on your holiday shopping list with a variety of products from local artisans and maybe even meet the jolly man in red himself.
The sixth annual Bradford Farmers’ Holiday Market is set to feature handcrafted jewellery, woodwork, art, baked goods, produce, specialty hot beverages, beauty products, pottery, holiday decor and more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2940 Sideroad 10, on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7.
“The Holidays are such a special time to spend with family, friends and community and we are so excited to have the opportunity to all come together again to spread some holiday cheer with returning customers, vendors and new ones as well,” Jennifer Bahinski, market manager, said via email.
So far, 37 vendors have registered with 20 committed for each day, but the event offers more than just shopping and is set to include photos with Santa Claus, a letters to Santa drop off, live music and children’s crafts.
In addition to some of the regular market vendors, this year is set to feature new additions as well, including a mix of hot food, so guests are encouraged to bring their appetites.
“We are hoping this will be another wonderful extension of the community gatherings that we host at the Bradford Farmers’ Market and to share some holiday cheer with our Bradford community during the most wonderful time of the year,” Bahinski said.
There is no cost for admission, but guests are encouraged to donate toiletries or unwanted handbags as the market has teamed up with the Bradford Women’s+ Group and Handbags for Hope to support the charity Abuse Hurts.
Based out of Newmarket, the organization has been serving Canadians since 1993 and works to raise awareness about the “true cost” of neglect and abuse, according to their website. Currently, the organization claims to support dozens of organizations including children’s services, victim’s services, shelters, and other agencies that deal with tens of thousands of children, women, and men whose lives have been affected by abuse.
“The Bradford Farmers’ Market recognizes that this is an issue that affects so many of our women family members, friends and community members and sadly it often gets buried in silence,” Bahinski said. “We wanted to help shine a light on this issue and let the women in our community know that they are not alone and show our support by being a part of the Bradford Women’s Group’s goal of collecting 350 purses this year."
Launched in 2018, the Bradford Women’s+ Group is a grassroots, women-led initiative with the primary objective of enhancing the lives of women within our communities. They aspire to create opportunities for women to become catalysts of positive change in their personal lives and communities. Open to all women, the group conducts free monthly sessions that align with their six pillars: empowerment, positivity, community, wellness, learning and growth.
