By Lucie Roy
Morinville – The 4th Annual Snowflakes and Stars Christmas Market held Nov. 19 at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre had more than 30 different local-area vendors. The Home and Small businesses in the area had an opportunity to show and sell their many products. Simone Riopel was selling her Watkins products and was very happy with being able to attend the event. She said she booked for this event because next weekend it is 100 per cent home-made event and she does not qualify to register. Besides Morinville, the vendors included some from St Albert, Gibbons, and Sherwood Park. The gift items ranged from candles, jewellery, Usborne Books, sunset gourmet food, gift baskets, handbag jewellery, two photographers, artwork and mitts to use on dogs to clean their paws. The Friends of Morinville Fundraising raffle had tickets for sale with a variety of prizes donated by the numerous vendors with proceeds going to a local cause.
Gold Canyon representative Kelli Allen said this year the proceeds go towards the Morinville Tiny Tots Preschool. For the last three years the proceeds had gone to the Midstream Support Society’s Santa Store.
The Morinville Tiny Tots Preschool is a non-profit preschool that has been operating since 1974. They are a community based, parent-run preschool that encourages all parents to volunteer in the classroom. They programs for three- and four-year-old students, both designed to promote speech and language, motor skills, positive social skills cognitive development and introductory French.
The Snowflakes and Stars event was held at the Rendez-Vous Centre for the first two years, at the Parish Hall last year and now the Community Cultural Centre.
One of this year’s draws was having Santa in attendance. Kids could have their picture taken with the jolly fella, enjoy the many items from the concession and have their faces painted in a festive design of their choice.
Vendors were also plentiful, offering a large variety of holiday gift buying options. Vendors included Leah Hogg, the local Laurie Anne’s fine linens representative, Leanne Boissonnault with her Floral Magic table, and Jodi McKale with some artwork and a few Christmas trees.
Stacey Buga is the new Usborne Books rep for the Morinville area and will be visiting Vanier School next week. New to the area and to the world of home-based business is Marylyne Poffley with her unique fashionable jewellery. Her passion for color is reflected in her pieces, with a mix of beads and ribbon. The size and shape of the beads make a final determination on the pattern and final product. She also made wreaths this year, some in a traditional design with cardinals added onto them.
Amounts raised for the Morinville Tiny Tots were not available by MorinvilleNews.com press deadline. Nov. 26 brings the Morinville Public Library’s 100 per cent hand-made Christmas Craft Sale to the MCHS gymnasium. The event runs from 10 to 4 p.m.