Despite growing competition in the arena of holiday craft markets, the Springbank Christmas Market has been going strong for the past 35 years – and according to co-ordinator Yvonne Bamlett, the event keeps getting bigger and better. “We have something for everybody,” she said. “But there’s nothing commercially produced, it’s not allowed in the show. We have all handmade items, everything from wreaths and Christmas ornaments to laser-cut metal gates. “You can buy one of millions from a retail place, but a unique thing – which is what most people are looking for – is only available from these types of sales.” With more than 60 vendors selling hand-crafted products and original artwork, Bamlett said the Springbank Christmas Market features a wide variety of items for shoppers to explore. Food vendors will be on site as well, with offerings like Saskatoon pies, gluten-free baking, chocolate, fudge and tea. The variety is important to Bamlett, who carefully evaluates each application to ensure there are few duplications among vendors – and plenty of new faces, as well. “Of course, we invite vendors back who have been in before, and if they are happy with their sales and the people and the venue, they are very eager to come back again,” she said. “We welcome them, but we also look for new people.” While some vendors are from the Springbank area, Bamlett said even more come from other parts of Rocky View County and beyond – Crossfield, Sundre, Didsbury and Calgary. And, according to Bamlett, each vendor attracts their own market of shoppers. “We’ve been around a long time, and we really rely a lot on our local community,” she said. “We get a steady flow of people, not an onslaught – you can talk to the vendor and won’t feel pressured to keep moving. The people who come here are…here to do some shopping.” With free admission and free parking – “we want people to spend money on the items they find, not on maintenance and administration costs,” Bamlett said – the market is an attractive option for anyone looking to get a head start on holiday shopping. But the Springbank Christmas Market offers more to visitors than just an opportunity to purchase original products. “It’s a good place to meet your neighbours, people you may not see all the time. Springbank is an acreage community, which means we really don’t have a gathering centre – but this is a good social event,” Bamlett said. “People will come, and they’ll stay a while and have coffee, and it’s not just about the sale. It’s a community effort.” The market also features a performance Nov. 4 by the Alberta Gold Chorus of Sweet Adelines, a group of female a cappella singers. According to Bamlett, the singers have made an appearance at the event for the past few years and provide a bit of extra holiday cheer. “They roam around the whole venue, dressed in Santa capes and hats,” she said. “It’s beautiful, they’re very nice to listen to and it’s free for everyone to enjoy. It’s something that other markets don’t necessarily offer, and we’re trying to make it our special tradition.” The Springbank Christmas Market takes place in the gym at the Springbank Community High School, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 3 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4. For more information, visit facebook.com/springbankchristmasmarket “Our Facebook page is a great tool,” Bamlett said. “We have pictures of what every vendor is selling, so people can check it out in advance. We have some very cool stuff coming.”
