Shenanigans Gifts and Crafts has returned to Orillia for the holiday season.
The popular pop-up Christmas store that is usually stationed in the Orillia Square mall is now in the plaza at 400 Laclie St.
“The mall rented out my usual store this year, making it unavailable for me,” explained store owner Judy Dewsbury.
But then, a Christmas miracle of sorts happened.
Sheona Kloostra, who owns Happy at Home Support Services, offered to move her staff into the back area of their office and provide the first 400 square feet to Shenanigans Gifts and Crafts to set up shop.
“The 22 vendors that participate in Shenanigans were all very disappointed when I told them we likely weren’t going to be opening,” Dewsbury said. “If Sheona never volunteered, the store wouldn’t be open this year.”
The store’s items are mostly homemade crafts made by local artisans and vendors who come from Orillia, Brechin, Oro-Medonte, Huntsville and Beaverton.
“We have people who sew, people who knit and people who make jewelry,” Dewsbury said. “We have Christmas wreaths, ornaments, hockey stockings, handmade cards, and lots of other things.”
Personalized items are among the most popular at Shenanigans.
“We will personalize here on site,” Dewsbury said. “We have cups, stockings, placemats and, of course, custom-made T-shirts.”
While Shenanigans officially opened Nov. 2, the grand-opening celebration will take place Nov. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We are going to have some treats, some music, and giveaways,” Dewsbury said. “All our vendors are very generous and always give me something to raffle off for free.”
Since opening, Dewsbury says, the shop has been busy.
“We’ve had a lot of lookers come in, which is good,” she said. “We’ve had a few sales, too.”
Sales were “amazing” last year, she says, and she expects a similar result this year.
“People were really out to support the local businesses and vendors last year,” she said. “I’m really hoping people are going to do that again this year.”
Shenanigans will be open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
More information can be found on the Shenanigans Facebook page.
