by Garrett Fodor
As the snow begins to fall, local residents are rushing to deck the halls and wrap up their shopping in time for the holidays.
On Saturday, the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village (CTMHV) hosted its annual “Holiday Market and Craft Show.” The annual event had to be postponed the previous year, due to COVID-19 restrictions. This year’s event featured restrictions, such as proof of vaccination along with masks.
Event organizers and volunteers were thankful to everyone who participated and for being so understanding.
“It is great to see the turnout and support that we did,” Donna Shilson, Event Coordinator for CTMHV, said. “After the last couple of years we have had it, [there] was a great turnout. People are happy and we love to see the community come together to support one another. Right now, there aren’t a ton of holiday markets, so we are glad we got to host one. It’s great to see everyone come together and getting into the holiday spirit.”
Shilson said, in total, there were 47 vendors featured, selling everything from vintage toys to holiday wreaths and cards.
“It’s very exciting and it’s wonderful to be back and have markets once again,” Melissa Jamrog, a vendor at the market on Saturday, said. “I appreciate the community support, when you’re a small business trying to compete with retail. So, for people to come out and really appreciate what you do, it’s rewarding.”
The admission fees collected from Saturday’s event will go to the maintenance and day-to-day costs of the Museum. Shilson adds that it is great to show people the grounds and facility that CTMHV has, “Reminding people of one of Essex County’s hidden gems.”
Shilson notes while bringing the community together, the event also serves as a fundraiser for CTMHV, which is currently selling tickets for that car raffle.
While CTMHV will not be hosting its annual New Year’s Eve party, Shilson notes that they are already planning its events for 2022, beginning in April.