Silas Boake loved both the selection and the price.
The nine-year-old Orillia boy headed to St. James’ Anglican Church’s annual St. Nick’s Shopping Day Saturday to pick up some gifts for his loved ones.
“I’m having fun and there are a lot of different choices,” he said.
Added 11-year-old Austin McCracken as he perused a table filled with kitchenware: “There are lots of items here and they’re not really expensive.”
Located in a church assembly hall, the market has been going strong for more than 35 years and allows children 12 and younger a chance to shop for a wide range of fun, practical and meaningful gifts all priced at $2.50 and under. There was even a selection of pet gifts and a wrapping station to ensure glasses, cups and other delicate articles remain intact.
“We have more kids this year,” said event convener Christine Blair, who has been involved with the special day for 35 years. “Our communication was better this year and we got more advertising out.”
Blair said some children have told her they enjoy the shopping day more than Christmas Day because they are giving rather than receiving.
“We have some shoppers here whose mother or father used to shop here when they were young,” she said. “It’s become a family tradition.”
Fellow volunteer Mary McEvoy has been involved with the event for the past five years.
“I thought it was the best thing going when I first heard about it,” she said. “I’m here today because of the children. It’s so much fun helping them and seeing what they would like to give their parents.”
Rosemary Freeman, who helped children at one of the tables, said the kids enjoy the experience because it gives them a feeling of independence.
“They don’t have to tell their parents what they’ve bought,” she said.
A separate nearby mini-bazaar called the St. James Avenue of Boutiques allowed parents and grandparents a chance to check out some handmade and donated items.
Jake Careswell, who served as a helper elf by guiding the younger set from table to table and helping them with their finances, said he jumped at the chance to be involved.
“I’ve already completed my volunteer hours, so I’m not here for that reason,” the Grade 10 Twin Lakes Secondary School student said.
“This is something fun to do in the community and helping people out during this season means a lot.”
Lisa Walters was part of trio of volunteers wrapping the gifts.
She noted: “This is so nice for the kids and, best of all, here there’s no tax.”
