Young entrepreneurs shine at youth Christmas Market and Craft Fair

WESTLOCK – More than 56 youth participated in the youth Christmas Market and Craft Fair hosted by Community Futures Tawatinaw Region at the Westlock Memorial Hall on Nov. 16.

Community Futures Tawatinaw Region General Manager Kelly Harris-Martin said the market is an extension of their Lemonade Day.

“We’re really happy with the turn out,” she said of the youth vendors aged 10 to 17 years old who participated. “There are so many fantastic kids.”

The event is an an offshoot of Lemonade Day, she said, adding that Community Futures Tawatinaw Region organized the market because they want to keep youth entrepreneurs engaged year round.

Lisbeth Dul, 12, had a booth at the market. Lisbeth, along with her two sisters Alana Dul, 9, and Halley Dul, 8, call themselves Crafty Angels. Lisbeth has been participating in Community Futures Tawatinaw Region’s Lemonade Day since she was five and was excited to have a table at the youth Christmas Market and Craft Fair. The Crafty Angels have been selling items for years out of their mom’s store, The Outback Western Wear and Tack in Westlock.

They make donations to charities, including the school’s hot lunch program, the library, Stollery Children’s hospital, the Pioneer and Tractor Museum, Youth Unlimited, and Healthy Families Healthy Futures. They have raised more than $3,000 for charities so far.

Santa and Mrs. Claus showed up at the market and youth had the opportunity to tell Santa their Christmas wish list and have their photo taken with him.

The Grinch also made an appearance but many of the little children, when they saw him, ran in the other direction. But Marine John was excited to meet the Grinch and took a selfie video with the Grinch to send to her family back home in Pakistan. She said she has been in Westlock for the last five years after a local church sponsored her and is loving the freedom she now enjoys in Canada.

Olivia Beattie, 10, of Busby, has always enjoyed painting and when she heard about the youth Christmas Market and Craft Fair she got busy painting dozens of items in one month for the market.

The market featured crafts and homemade gifts created by Junior Market participants and was free for the public to attend.

Harris-Martin said she appreciates Westlock Home Hardware for donating door prizes.