The second day is beginning...

 Last night was the first time that we offered an evening at the Windsor mall Christmas  party. Thank you for those who attended. It was a night for meeting new people, catching up with old friends and enjoying a chance to slow down and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. Family, friendship and the Spirit of Good Will.

Yesterday was a fantastic day. There seemed to be more foot traffic than any other year. Hopefully things will be even better today. We have a great selection to choose from this year so things can only get better.

A lot of our loyal participants have returned brining a whole new selection of items. Paulette is one of our very loyal participants and returns every year bringing with her new recipes for us to sample. This year she has made Sweet Potato Squares which are so moist that they just melt in your mouth.  I look forward every year to see what new baked delight she will be brining for me to experience.

Another loyal participant at this market is Harvest House. This is a community drop in centre for teenagers looking for help and guidance. Many who visit Harvest House had very little or no family support. Many had burned their bridges and arrive some looking for food, shelter, or just needed friends and a supportive community. Donna Eldridge is the coordinator of the centre and has such a warm personality when you speak with her that you immediately understand why anyone would feel comfortable dropping by the centre for a visit.

I've been shopping...

Every year I work on this market and sometimes wonder if all the work is worth it.  Then the big day arrives... I think in some ways it may be like giving birth, once you hold the child in your arms, you forget everything else.

I love to shop and I think I select the tables that are here by what I am looking for every year for Christmas.

This year...I’ve hit the jackpot!

I have spent more money in the first day than I have in the last six years that this market has occurred. I justify the expenditures as Christmas gifts...yeah Merry Christmas me!

And so it begins...

It is early in the morning before everyone has arrived and things are set up and ready to go. I like to arrive early before all the chaos to enjoy a few quiet moments before all the activity begins. All the tables are set out the night before with their name tags in place and everything is made ready for the next day.

The success of this show every year is due to all the help and support from all the fantastic people that work behind the scenes. The show wouldn’t happen without Darrel, Sandra and Angela, organizing tables, electricity etc... Thank you for all your help.

A special thanks to Richard Cole for picking up the tables and making sure that they were all set up in place.

The market has now opened and everyone is excited about the imminent arrival of Santa Claus.

Make sure to come by for a visit and enjoy a visit with your  neighbours.

Preparations are nearly done for the 6th Annual Christmas at the Windsor Mall

Preparations are nearly done for the 6th Annual Christmas at the Windsor Mall. I don't think that this event would happen without all the dedicated people who keep asking/reminding me that it is once again time.

The focus this week has been making sure that all the plans are in place for marketing this event. The face book group has been updated for people to be kept updated and to post comments. This blog has been freshened and an ad placed on Kiiji as well as with every radio station. Not to mention all the flyers Sandra has distributed around town. Flyers have been distributed all around New Minas (Thank you Shirley), Mount Uniacke and Kennetcook as well.

Even without any major advertising, all of the tables have been booked and I will continue to update you on some of the participates.

It looks like it is going to be another year that my wallet will get a little lighter...

The best news is that Santa Claus has agreed to once again put in an appearance, so make sure to have your Christmas list ready. I wonder if he could fit a new house in that bag for me?