When Helen Perry was visiting Christmas markets in Europe, she was inspired to bring something similar to Orillia.
The markets there were a community effort, with artists and businesses of all kinds taking part.
“It just seemed like Christmas as it should be. It was pleasant and enjoyable,” Perry said. “To have the local stores and restaurants involved is great.”
So, Perry and Jim Dykes have partnered to co-chair the first annual Downtown Orillia Christmas Market, Nov. 22 to 24.
It is being hosted by St. James’ Anglican Church, in partnership with the Peter Street Arts District, the Orillia Farmers’ Market and the Downtown Orillia Management Board (DOMB).
“As far as I know, there is not another Christmas market of this type north of the GTA,” Perry said.
Most of the action will take place at St. James’, where there will be live music, children’s activities, photos with Santa, a bake sale and multiple artists and artisans selling their goods.
Some downtown shops and restaurants will be taking part, offering specials and remaining open during the same hours as the market. The Arts District will be holding an Art Hop event during the same hours, too.
“There’s the economic benefit of bringing people downtown and shopping, but there’s also the community aspect, which is very important for the city itself,” said DOMB manager Lisa Thomson-Roop.
“Any time you can have several groups come together, you’re going to have a better event. We’re very excited about the first annual and we’re looking forward to doing many more," she said.
Music will be a major part of the festivities, with most of it being performed in the St. James’ sanctuary.
“Just as we’re putting the spotlight on the visual arts, there’s a lot of music that goes on in Orillia and the area. It’s good to put a spotlight on the different musical groups and ages,” said John Smith, who is co-ordinating the musical entertainment.
The Drifters, a choral group, will kick things off Nov. 22 at 1:30 p.m., followed by carolling at 3 p.m. While the market itself only runs until 7 p.m. that day, there will be a concert by Orillia’s Little Big Band at 7:30 p.m.
From 10 a.m. to noon on Nov. 23, young musicians will take part in a piano recital. That will be followed at 1 p.m. by performances from various groups, starting with the Orillia Silver Band. The Quire, a group of 10 a cappella singers, will close out the evening with another after-hours performance at 7 p.m.
On the final day of the market, Nov. 24, more musical acts will play starting at 1:30 p.m.
All concerts, as well as entry to the market, are free.
“It’s St. James’ offering a little extra gift to people who come to the market,” Smith said.
The main sponsors of the event are Creative Nomad Studios, Makers Market, and Home Hardware, the latter of which is donating a large wooden train that will be on the St. James’ lawn.
“It’s going to be a wonderful, fun event,” Perry said, describing it as “a way for St. James’ to reach out to the community.”
"It's time to move away from the traditional church Christmas bazaars," she said. "We have to be out in the community."
The market will be open Nov. 22 from 12 to 7 p.m. and Nov. 23 and 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, including a list of performers and vendors, visit orilliachristmasmarket.ca.
