The Barrhead Elementary Gym was bursting with holiday cheer over the weekend, as the Festival of Trees Christmas Market and Craft show finally arrived.
Between 600 and 800 people wandered the gym Friday evening and Saturday. The Festival of Trees was a great success itself, as 17 trees lined the walls behind the vendors. Each tree was decorated for the holidays, and auctioned off at the Christmas Gala Saturday night.
Deb Schembri, Chamber of Commerce treasurer, said the Christmas Gala was a great success with 280 people in attendance. Between food bank donations at the market and the tree auction the event raised $14,432.84, a huge improvement from last year’s $5,700.
“It was absolutely fabulous,” she said. “I’m just ecstatic.”
Stepping through the doors to the market, it didn’t take long to realize it was a Christmas shopper’s heaven. There was something for mom and dad, something for the kids, even something for that person who already has everything.
Tables were covered with knitted and crocheted creations. There was no shortage of hats, scarves, mittens, socks, and sweaters, perfect for keeping warm and snug in the winter. Jewelry was another common item found on many of the tables. There were rings with beautiful gems, and fashionable matching earring and necklace sets.
A glance into the town of Barrhead was visible on the postcards and note cards sold by local artist Sally George. The scene was originally done as a painting and donated to the Barrhead Art Club to be auctioned off. Wanting to continue showcasing Barrhead, George created the cards. The great blue heron stands beside a welcome to Barrhead sign. A church, the splash park, and other recognizable buildings are also thrown into the mix.
“The painting was inspired by folk art in Mexico. They have villages, farms, and weddings all on one page, so I decided to do one of Barrhead,” explained George. “We have to promote our town.”
It was hard not to notice the various appealing smells that wafted through the air.
Perhaps the source of the scent was coming from a table of deliciously flavoured candles, or maybe it was one of the many bath or body products.
Rhonda Pusch of River’s Rays displayed many raw and natural skin and bath products, from natural deodorant, to aroma therapy body butter, to seaweed and clay mask. The table also had a fun spin on regular supplies of well being, such as coloured bath salts for kids.
And let’s not forget the Snowman Poop. Made for the bathtub as well, the tiny balls come in a jar and are a combination of coconut oil, raw honey, Epsom salts, sugar, baking soda, tea tree, lavender, and a dash of glitter.
Not only were there items made from scratch, but products made from things reused. Bonnie Pulleyblank did have napkin holders, flowered headbands, and car seat covers she made, but she also had something a little out of the ordinary: snowman ornaments made from burnt out light bulbs.
“Recycle, reuse and reduce, right?” She laughed. “My sister made them years ago and I decided to try it. Who wants to throw out used light bulbs?”
No moment went without some kind of musical serenade or entertainment either. There were choirs, solo guitarists, musical groups, and performances by Footworks Dance Academy all contributing to an enjoyable holiday experience.
Those who weren’t shopping were still able to socialize with the friendly faces at every booth. Even Santa Claus made a bell-jingling appearance, sitting happily at the back of the gym awaiting the whispered wishes of children.
The market didn’t quiet down until about 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon, as crowds finally began to dwindle. Shoppers could go home with their bags filled with local merchandise, one step closer to Christmas.
