Crowds Flock to ICAC’s artisan market

Attendees of this years Deck the Halls Artisan Market. (Kyrah Smith Photo)

Kyrah Smith, Echo Correspondent

Festive sweaters and holiday spirit were at an all time high in Ingersoll.

On Friday, Nov. 21, the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre’s (ICAC) highly anticipated Deck the Halls Artisan Market welcomed a bustling crowd.

“You should have seen us this morning,” said Sophie Hicks, Arts Administrator at ICAC. “Before we even opened the door, there was a lineup all the way into the parking lot!”

Originally known as Candy Cane Lane, Deck the Halls has been a beloved annual tradition for more than 30 years and continues to be warmly embraced by the Ingersoll community. This year’s market ran from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

“It’s one of the staples here at the Centre,” Hicks added. “Every year, it’s always very, very busy.” The market offers ICAC members a chance to showcase and sell their creations, with a portion of proceeds returning to the non-profit arts centre to help support its programming.

Shoppers browsed a wide selection of beautifully crafted, locally made items; from paintings and pottery to greeting cards, knitted pieces, and crocheted creations. There was truly something for every taste and every Christmas list.

A new feature this year was the Cookie Walk. Potters at ICAC hand-sculpted, painted, and glazed each plate before donating them to be sold. “Same with the cookies,” Hicks noted, gesturing to the spread of homemade treats. “Members bake them in their own homes, bring them in, and any money raised goes back into the Centre.”

The festive treats quickly proved to be a hit, with volunteers working hard to keep up with the demand. Saturday also featured lively holiday entertainment by CCI Music, adding even more cheer to the atmosphere.

All in all, it was wonderful to see such strong community support for local artists and the arts in Ingersoll.

If you happened to miss Deck the Halls, the market has been extended until Dec. 11. For more information, you can visit ICAC’s website: www.creativeartscentre.com.