Inaugural Christmas Market held at Cottam United

by Adam Gault

Great Christmas gift ideas and live entertainment were in abundance in Cottam this past Friday and Saturday, as the debut Santa’s Helper Christmas Market took over the Cottam United Church Hall as part of a two-day extravaganza.

Rotary Club of Cottam member, Sharon Parish, organized the event to showcase the Cottam area and highlight what this community of Kingsville has to offer.

“Cottam’s awesome. If we could bring people out to Cottam, then they’ll see that we have little businesses, and there’s actually stuff going on in Cottam,” Parish explained. “If this market goes well, then hopefully we’ll be doing one towards Easter or Mother’s Day.”

Highlighting crafts, baked goods, as well as offerings from larger companies, the market offered something for everyone, easing the anxiety of many last-minute Christmas shoppers looking for the perfect gift with a little more than a week to go.

“We wanted to keep [the market] nice and personal, so we have a good spread of different people, products, so we’re not having a ton of competition since it is a small market,” Parish said. “We have some really awesome vendors from all across the county.”

It is hoped bringing attention to the personal, small-town feeling that communities like Cottam have to offer will ensure these areas have continued focus brought to them when attracting businesses and other ventures.

“[Small towns] can often be forgotten, but once you’re in them, they’re not forgettable,” Parish said. “Small town vibes are just fantastic, so we want to be one that people want to come back to.”

Upcoming community events will be listed on the Rotary Club of Cottam’s Facebook page.