Variety of vendors at Vilna Christmas market

By Irene van der Kloet

The Vilna Christmas market is one of the first Christmas markets to kick off this special season. Just like in previous years, the organizers did not disappoint, with a variety of vendors attracting the general public looking for that special Christmas gift. Large or small, it could be found there. Thinking beyond Christmas, one could easily find an item for anyone at any time of the year. One woman was selling coveralls that she made herself. This way, a person can have a coverall made to fit ther size, which is especially suitable for women, who often have to resort to men’s coveralls when buying one in a store.  For those looking for a jacket for the colder weather, there was a selection of fleece-lined woollen jackets with beautiful designs to keep a person warm. Food was there in all sorts and flavours, from soups to Middle Eastern baking, to sausage, and sweet baked goods like cupcakes. A Christmas market would not be complete without decorations, from wreaths to Christmas tree trinkets, to homemade key rings, lights and anything in between. Concerned you’ll mix up your wine glass with someone else’s? A selection of wine glass charms will help one find one’s own glass. For the little ones, there was a selection of baby and toddler clothes; for personal care and home fragrances, there was Scentsy, soaps and more. Although this market may not be as well-known as larger markets, the organizers can be proud of a well-attended event: as soon as the doors opened at 10:00 a.m., the public began to arrive, and the parking lot quickly filled up. Apart from a place to look for that special gift, it is also an excellent opportunity to network, visit and discover how small-town Alberta can be big in putting on these special events. The market in Vilna offers a chance to view the historic ambiance of the village, with historic buildings commemorating the times of the old west worth a visit any time of the year.