Looking for a Christmas market? A place where you can shop local, grab a bite to eat, and get all warm and fuzzy?
Yikes. In 2020, COVID has unceremoniously clobbered virtually everything.
But in tiny, artsy Kaleden, they think they have a rather nifty solution that delivers all of the above, and more. It's called the Progressive Outdoor Winter Market, and it unfolds this Saturday, Dec. 12th.
And it looks…fun. Really fun.
Beginning at 11 am Saturday, a dozen Kaleden homes, garages, studios -- and one church -- will throw open their doors to the public. And all you need is a map, a vehicle, a love for all things local, and a couple hours to take it all in.
In all, you'll find 20-plus vendors distributed between the 12 locations, and an array of locally-created goods that would make any market proud. Pottery, jewelry, handcrafted soap, baked goods, clothing, art, Christmas decorations, woodworking, and much more.
A pair of Kaleden wineries will open too. Black Market will serve "fireside tastings," and Skaha Vineyard will offer free gift-wrapping, music, and a complimentary "chocolate cup with your choice of ice wine or port-style wine."
Highway 97 Brewery is also getting into the act, setting up shop at the Kaleden Community Church, where you can also pick up a to-go lunch of chili and bun for a mere five bucks.
And every bit of it is COVID-friendly. Indeed, says Eryn Wiedner, coordinator of overseeing body Kaleden Seniors Committee, "Were a COVID-safe event. We'll be following all the guidelines -- masks, gloves, social distancing."
"We've been doing a winter market every year at the church," explained Wiedner, "but this year they decided not to do it.
"So a community member mentioned the garage sales we do in the summer, and figured we should do the same for a Christmas market. They presented the idea to our committee in November, and we ran with it."
The Progressive Outdoor Winter Market runs from 11 am to 3 pm this Saturday. Maps, complete with vendor information, are available in advance at the Kaleden Community Association website here, or in-person on the day of the event at the Kaleden Community Church at 443 Lakehill Drive and all event sites.
