The wafting smell of hot dogs and hot chocolate amid light flurries dancing to the ground, the Mansfield et Pontefract Christmas Market was magical. Held at the George Bryson Cultural House, the market was buzzing with kids running around, and . . .

community members gathered at different tables buying and talking to local vendors.

Sandra Armstrong, the Mayor was posted at the hot chocolate station which is a long-standing tradition for mayors and was serving community members,“I think what the people miss most is it’s a gathering of people and families,” she said.

Armstrong points out what makes the location special is the charm that the Bryson Cultural House brings to the community, “You feel that house has so much history in it.”

Bryson Cultural House has been listed as a historic monument since 1980, and has welcomed visitors on its grounds for a myriad of things to explore. They offer actitivies such as guided tours of the museum, cultural and artistic activities, genealogy research and a tea room.

During the market kids swarmed to sit on Santa’s leg and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Gilles Dionne, former mayor, was dressed as Santa Claus on Saturday, he said when they asked him to do it he couldn’t say no, “I got a soft spot for kids.” Durning the market they were able to hand out about 50 gifts to kids and it was hard to miss the giant grins on their faces as they hurried to show their parents what Santa Claus had given them.

One happy-go-lucky kid, Anaïs Lanau-légaré, a local who was in the fourth grade, raved about the hot chocolate, said “it’s my favourite,” and helped her mother Ginette Légaré, at her booth: owner of Le Coffre à trésor D’ Anais.

Eline Van Der Veen, a local vendor, owner of Kids, Cows and Flowers Co. was selling indoor Christmas planters. All bundled up for the weather she said “It’s exciting – It’s my first time at the market, I’ll definitely be coming back.” Community members may recognize her work, as she was responsible for decorating the Town Hall and Library in Shawville, and she will also be decorating the Clarendon Town Hall this week.

There were also folks selling homemade cards, soaps, jewelry and Tupperware, a melange of local products people can choose from.

Amy Frost, who owns Knots and Purls, enjoys coming back to her hometown and seeing everybody’s familiar faces. She said, “it’s been fantastic. I find that Mansfield et Pontefract has really shown up and supported a lot of local makers. And I feel super appreciated.” She makes a variety of knitwear and does everything by hand and can customize anything from colour to size to matching hat sets.

In addition to everything at the market the organizing committee also set up a raffle for one lucky winner to nab $200 worth of items collected from all the vendors at the market. Visiters were entered into the draw when they bought a membership card to the Bryson House. Although the museum was not open the dining hall was and folks were able to go in and get freshly made chili.

Armstrong pointed out the importance of such an event as it brings community members together. But it also highlights the talent in the community and it gives creators a platform to share what they do with their neighbours. Because not all of them have stores to sell from.

“It [was] a really good day. We had lots of people coming in and buying stuff from the vendors,” said Armstrong.

Gilles Dionne volunteered as the designated Santa of the day, talking to kids and handing out gifts.

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