THE NARAMATA WINTER MARKET
“Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration.” ~ Anamika Mishra
For those of us who have visited parts of Europe during the festive season, it's pretty clear that European Christmas markets are tough to beat. Holiday vibes, smiling faces, friends and family, crafts, food, wine - it's like an amusement park for the senses with a dash of coziness to boot.
Now, this may be a biased opinion, but here in Canada, we really know how to celebrate Christmas. It's in our blood. Aside from having the right climate for it, we're a country that loves being social, even when days shorten and things start to cool down. This begs the question, then: why, with our connection to Winter and partial European heritage, do we not host markets to the same degree?
The answer is: we do!
For the fourth consecutive year, Naramata Slow will be hosting its unique Winter Market. Unlike any other in the area, this charming event marks the start of the Christmas countdown for locals and visitors alike. It's a place to savour local delicacies and shop for truly unique gifts. A chance to bask in and spread some holiday cheer as the colder months approach. The previous years were a hit, and this one promises to be just as memorable.
"Naramata can get pretty quiet as Winter approaches. We came up with the idea to host the Winter Market as a way to boost local business and bring a vibrant feel to the village at a time of year when days are shorter. A beacon in the dark, I guess you could say, bringing people together to celebrate the Christmas season."
Dawn Lennie, Discover Narmata's Marketing Manager, is one of the passionate organizers behind the Winter Market.
"This is our fourth year running and it's really turned into an amazing community event that brings people together. Many of our downtown village members get involved which is great. The level of participation and generosity from Naramata has been incredible."
Usually slow at this time of year, The Village Motel now fills up for the weekend as people come from all over to enjoy the Market. Grateful to host guests during a typically slow period, the motel is more than happy to give back and support the Winter Market.
"They generously provide power and space for some of our artisan vendors, which we really appreciate."
But it doesn't stop there. As the Winter Market is a volunteer-led event, plenty of local people, groups and businesses get involved. This strong community involvement makes our Winter Market a true celebration of togetherness.
"A lot of the community groups get involved, such as the Naramata Friendship Club, who will be there cooking hot dogs. Also, the Naramata Community Church will be selling delicious soup out front donated by The Cannery Brewing Kitchen. And the Naramata Child Development Centre will be selling homemade baked goods with all proceeds going to the Child Development Centre."
If the thought of hot soup and fresh baking ignited your taste buds, wait until you find out what other mouth-watering, belt-loosening treats will be available.
"As I already mentioned, the Naramata Friendship Club will be there making their 'Naramata Famous' Hot Dogs complete with fried onions, sauerkraut and all the fixings. The Naramata Store will be serving up their famous Smash Burgers, and both vegetarian and meat chilli. Real Things Pizza will be there with decorated pizza boxes which are a unique gift wrapping alternative. The boxes are available in various sizes, with all proceeds to the Naramata PAC. Just Baked will be open, offering up their delicious baked and brewed treats. The Naramata Inn will be serving up soul-warming mulled wine and other treats. You won't go hungry, that's for sure."
Given our region, it wouldn't be a proper Naramata event without a local drop or two to wet your whistle.
"Maple Leaf Spirits, Elephant Island Winery, Abandoned Rail Brewing, Cannery Brewing, Ruby Blues Winery, and Terravisa Winery will all be there, so washing down all the yummy food won't be a problem."
For those still in search of a few gift ideas, we've got you covered.
"Shades of Linen Clothing' offers locally made clothing and other fun finds. 4th Meridian Art, Vintage and Gifts have unique vintage and Naramata-themed gifts. The Naramata Clothes Library sells gently used, seasonal clothing at the Community Church. Naramata Museum and Thrift Shop will be selling treasures looking for a new home outside the Museum. There will be a pretty big selection."
However, a Winter Market needs to offer more than eating, drinking, and shopping to boost the holiday spirit. That’s all wonderful, of course, but with the right ambiance, things are even better.
"We'll have fire pits crackling away where people can roast marshmallows and the Fire Department will be there with their truck set up, which is always popular with the kids. And the annual photo booth! Sun' n Sup generously provides power and space for the photo booth. Last year it was a giant snow globe motif. If you want to know what this year's creation will be, you'll have to come see."
Everyone is welcome at the Naramata Slow Winter Market, even if they walk on all fours and have a tail.
"We're dog friendly, so you don't have to leave your furry friends at home. They can join in the fun too!"
Regardless of whether you're hosting one stall or perusing many, add the Naramata Winter Market to your calendar. We're heading back to Robinson Ave on the 6ᵗʰ of December from 4-7 pm, which is right at the perfect time! Late enough to be considered the first Christmas event of the season, yet early enough to not conflict with your holiday plans. And with this much notice, there's every reason to save the date.
"We're excited to have you join us, and we look forward to celebrating with you."
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