It's almost time to ring in the holiday season at the Millarville Christmas Market.
The market takes place from Nov. 3 to 6 and Nov. 10 to 13 at the Millarville Racetrack and Agricultural Society. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, the timed-entry arrangement that has been in use for the last couple of years will again be in effect.
“We've decided to keep that (timed entry) because the feedback that we were getting over the last couple of years from both the vendors and the shoppers were super positive,” said Melonie McKee, MRAS market and events manager.
Staggering entries helps to alleviate crowds and long waits to get into the market, and means a better experience for everybody, McKee said.
Due to the timed-entry arrangement, tickets for the market need to be purchased in advance. Tickets are $7, or free for kids 12 and under, and are available on the MRAS Christmas Market website.
Over the eight days of the market, people can browse for the perfect gift from hundreds of vendors who will set up in 350 booths. The number of vendors has rebounded to pre-COVID levels and then some, McKee said.
As the Millarville Christmas Market is an Alberta Approved Market, the majority of items are produced in Alberta.
“All of our visitors can expect that over 80 per cent of the vendors are making, baking or growing their products here in Alberta,” she said.
Other attractions at the market are food trucks, music and reindeer viewing. Kids can have photos taken with Santa or visit Santa’s Workshop, where there will be craft stations and face painting.
A special Kids Only Shoppe runs on Saturdays and Sundays. Kids 12 and under can shop with an elf helper and buy gifts for their family and friends. Everything in the Kids Only Shoppe is $15 or less, and each gift is wrapped and tagged to keep it a surprise until Christmas.
Profits from the Kids Only Shoppe are split between six schools in the Foothills School Division. Typically, said McKee, each of the schools receives about $1,000 to support hot lunch programs. Items in the Kids Only Shoppe are handmade by volunteers or donated by vendors.
Vendors will be set up indoors and out, and McKee suggests dressing in layers to get the most out of the market.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.millarvilleracetrack.com/christmas-market.
