ABRAM-VILLAGE – Sept. 22, 2022 - In an effort to create a festive, social and family atmosphere in anticipation of the glittering holiday season, the Village musical acadien in Abram-Village is launching a brand-new tradition: its first-ever "Village Christmas Market". This celebration of arts, handcrafts, music and magic of Christmas will be presented in a style similar to what one might find in so many small European markets and villages throughout the holiday season.
Running Nov. 25-27 and adorned with countless lights, Christmas trees, nativity scenes, Santas, snowmen and Christmas decorations, the "Village Christmas Market" will be presented inside the main building of the Village musical acadien as well as on the outdoor terrace, in La Grange à Ti-Manuel and in La Galerie La Palette. Musicians will be playing Christmas music throughout the weekend. Outside, visitors will be able to drink warm mulled wine or cider while warming up next to big outdoor heaters; they’ll also be able to enjoy some great home-made Christmastime food in the Resto-Bar La Trappe. Shoppers can even bring their children to visit Santa Claus (who will possibly arrive by sleigh if there is snow on the ground). The joyful atmosphere, the familiar scent of fir trees mixed with wafting cinnamon, and Christmas smiles will reign all weekend.
"Artists and artisans from the Evangeline region and countless other Island communities will proudly present their wonderful creations of all kinds. We anticipate that there will be everything from beautiful woolen mittens and toques to intricate pottery and woodwork... from colorful patchwork quilts to stunning paintings. And one can’t forget the ever-popular holiday baked cookies, squares, chocolates and other sweets. Those who grow Christmas trees could even come and sell some on site or take orders to deliver later," says Théodore Thériault, member of the organizing committee. "Visitors will without a doubt be able to find Christmas gifts for all their family members and loved ones.
The Village musical acadien, which is organizing the "Village Christmas Market" in collaboration with the Abram-Village Handcraft Co-op and La Palette Artists' Co-op, will do everything in its power to ensure that this great celebration becomes an annual celebration and the favorite Christmas market of all visitors as well as of all Island artists and artisans. "We want to attract the largest selection of arts and handcrafted goods possible. Then we want to ensure that the public has plenty of time to come and do its Christmas shopping without rushing and even put in orders for meat pie, Christmas cookies, etc." explains Thériault. "So we're opening the market on Friday, Nov. 25, from 1 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so 25 hours in all. We hope the entire region and all the surrounding communities will come out this year and hopefully for many years to come to support local artists and craftspeople."
While the number of sale tables will be considerably higher than at the smaller Christmas craft fairs of the past, it is anticipated that the demand for these spaces will be very high, especially since a low, introductory registration fee is being charged this year. Anyone interested in selling their products is asked to reserve their space immediately by contacting the Village at info@villagemusical.com or 902-854-3300.
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PHOTO: Three members of the organizing committee for the first-ever Village Christmas Market, from left, Jeannette Blaquière, Claudette Arsenault and Théodore Thériault, invite Island artists and artisans to immediately reserve their sales space. They also invite potential shoppers to mark Nov. 25, 26 and 27 on their calendars.