Orillia church makes Christmas shopping fun

Orillia church makes Christmas shopping fun

St. James, Orillia, together with local artisans, downtown merchants and the Peter Street Arts District, hosted the first Orillia Christmas Market on Nov. 22-24. The organizing committee included members of St. James, and the church’s ACW replaced its traditional Christmas bazaar and luncheon with this exciting new event.

Music played a big part in the market’s success. Advanced piano students, an a capella choir, two bands, musicians from the local youth centre and St. James’ choir filled the church with music from morning until night. There were about 20 booths in the church, with artisans offering a stunning variety of wares. ACW members sold knitting and sewing items while their bake table ran out of cookies every day. Santa was available for photos, and people were welcomed and informed by enthusiastic volunteers. The crowd of people shopping, strolling, chatting and enjoying “Christmas like it should be” was overwhelming at times.

Members of St. James choir take part in the first Orillia Christmas Market

The church was pleased and honoured to introduce Bishop Peter Fenty, who had attended the Sunday morning service, to the vendors and shoppers. The church is grateful for the generosity of the market’s major sponsors, including Orillia Home Hardware, which donated a large wooden train displayed on the church’s front lawn, and Creative Nomad Studios, which developed and managed the market’s website and social media platforms. Many vendors and musicians have already requested space in the 2020 market.