This page was exported from The Auroran [ http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran ] Export date:Thu Apr 18 18:01:36 2024 / +0000 GMT ___________________________________________________ Title: Christmas market continues with virtual programming --------------------------------------------------- They knew at the outset that customers would be limited this year, but vendors – and customers – flocked to Aurora's Christmas Market this past weekend to shop and celebrate local. Open to a limited number of people per time slot, each of which was booked solid well in advance,  Town Park was the scene of some early Christmas cheer as the Town launched its annual Christmas Market in a way very much reflective of our new normal. Vendors took over small huts on the path bisecting Town Park on Friday night as festivities kicked off with a physically-distant tree lighting ceremony led by Mayor Tom Mrakas and Councillors Harold Kim and Michael Thompson. Elsewhere, as the Mayor did the honours, vendors prepared to welcome customers once again. 13-year-old Timothy Girgis was one such vendor. The resident of northeast Aurora is an aspiring woodworker and, along with art created by his brother Stephen, Timothy and their dad Fayez were looking forward to the spirit of the season. “I like to work with my hands, so I just gave this a shot,” said Timothy, pointing out hand-crafted key racks, welcome signs and toilet paper holders. Added Fayez: “Timothy and Stephen are here at the Christmas Market to celebrate, meet people and sell their stuff.” Similarly, Bill Hack, who offered an array of handy and crafty objects made from hockey sticks, was also looking forward to meeting the people. “I have lived here for about 18 years and I have come to love Aurora,” said Bill. “I just love being at events and when they invite me I am right there, no matter what it is. I don't expect to sell much of my particular product, but I just want to be here, smile, and say ‘Merry Christmas' to people.” Nicolle Tow's hut was laden down with homemade cookies and other baked goods, all festively decorated for the season. “I do holiday markets all the time and it is nice they're doing this – we want to shop local, support local, and I just like to see all the kids with my product here,” she said. “I used to be here at the Aurora Farmers' Market, so I hope to see some familiar faces.” Teaspice's Rafael Mishan was also there with products designed to warm stomachs. For him, it was a chance for some “great exposure” and to drive home a message. “This is a great opportunity for customers to come and try our products and a win-win situation for sure,” he said. “It is about supporting small business, which is obviously a great thing. We should all do it, as tough as it is. We're all trying to do our best.” For more information on this weekend's Christmas Market – the second and final of the season – along with the host of virtual Christmas Market programs the Town has lined up, visit aurora.ca/christmasmarket. By Brock WeirEditorLocal Journalism Initiative Reporter --------------------------------------------------- Images: --------------------------------------------------- Excerpt: --------------------------------------------------- Post date: 2020-12-10 20:39:15 Post date GMT: 2020-12-11 01:39:15 Post modified date: 2020-12-18 00:47:23 Post modified date GMT: 2020-12-18 05:47:23 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Export of Post and Page as text file has been powered by [ Universal Post Manager ] plugin from www.gconverters.com