Upcoming Multi-Vendor Christmas Market to offer a local touch for shoppers

By Alex Hunt

Two St. Marys residents are working to gather 24 community vendors for a two-day holiday sale.

Friends Cheryl Whatley and Ang March have recruited a variety of local vendors to sell their wares at a Multi-Vendor Christmas Market from Nov. 29-30 at 25 Thames Rd. in the Maple Lane Park Retirement Community.

Vendors will rotate availability over the course of the weekend, taking place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on each day. Whatley said each vendor will be selling something different, avoiding similar items for sale across the market. With a promise of free admission and door prizes, Whatley is looking forward to bringing the community together.

“We want to keep Christmas shopping in town, to support small businesses, so that people can find unique items locally,” said Whatley. “We have an incredible variety of vendors, from baking to crocheting, makeup, sewing and more! We generally keep it to only one vendor selling the same items.”

Whatley, who has experience in vendor-market planning and currently works part-time in the dental and nail industry, is hoping to expand as a small business owner with Ang. Whatley connected with local vendors on social media and started organizing the event.

“There was a tremendous response from vendors wishing to join in on our market,” said Whatley. “We are at capacity for vendors and couldn’t be happier. The unfortunate part is that we had to turn vendors down because we have filled up all the space of the venue.”

Whatley said they plan on hosting the event annually, with discussions of a possible quarterly sale, depending on turnout, suggestions and feedback. Whatley said the event will provide a great opportunity to shop local and support small, independent businesses.

Whatley said there are several spots to park close to the venue, and for people to avoid parking in the laneway to ensure the road is clear for traffic. If there is any confusion, there will be signs and someone onsite directing traffic to the designated parking areas.