Quayle’s Brewery kicked off the holiday season Saturday with its second annual outdoor Christmas market.
The market features 26 local food and craft vendors. Visitors can also have photos taken with Santa Claus.
Catherine Pearson, owner of the brewery on Line 12 in Oro-Medonte, says the market gives people a chance to take in the outdoors before the frigid temperatures arrive.
“People can wander around, enjoy both bars open in the beer garden, and grab some food,” she said.
The market is one of the most popular events at Quayle’s. The vendors feature crafts, baked goods, Christmas gifts, art, and price points that range from $10 to $75.
“It’s always fantastic,” Pearson said. “People like being able to support some local vendors, which is our goal.”
While the event is free to attend, the brewery is taking parking donations this weekend for the Orillia Youth Centre.
“It’s important to us to give back to the community,” she said. “We’ve all been through a lot in the last few years, and I think supporting each other is important to make sure we can get through it.”
Youth centre manager Kevin Gangloff says the brewery is “incredibly kind” for its fundraising efforts.
“Quayle’s has been very supportive of the youth centre since they’ve opened up,” he said. “Any donations we get here today go right back into supporting youth programming.”
Quayle’s is also looking to raise some money for the Salvation Army through the Light Up the Beer Gardens event Dec 3. Community members, clubs, teams, families and businesses can sponsor and decorate a tree for $120. Applications can be requested by emailing [email protected].
“Our customers are going to come out and vote for their favourites,” Pearson explained, noting all proceeds will go to the Salvation Army.
The outdoor market continues Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A special appearance will be made by the Hawkestone Carolers. Next weekend, a new set of 28 vendors will be at the market Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
