Radway Christmas Market kicks off the holiday season

By Brandie Majeau

The Radway Agricultural Society was excited to host its annual Christmas market on November 24. Not
only does this signal the beginning of the Christmas season for the community, but it is also one of the
biggest fundraisers for the Radway Ag Society for the year. The Agri-Centre was filled. Fifty-two tables
were set up, presenting thirty-six different vendors and offering a variety of Christmas goodies and gift
ideas to the public. Door prizes offered the excitement of a chance to win a prize, and the concession
became a focal point for the event. A steady stream of people kept the kitchen staff running as plate
after plate of Ukrainian food left the service window.

Kitchen staff pleasantly joked, “We just kept cooking. It’s been crazy.” With the continuous food
patrons, behind-the-scenes volunteers were in constant motion and on their feet, hardly having a
chance for a break. Every Ukrainian plate sold out. More pierogies were purchased that evening, those
were cooked and those sold out as well. The amount of homemade cinnamon knots for the concession
were also in abundance, having more than they made the previous year…these sold out in twenty-two
minutes. However, the busyness was welcome. This event pulls out all the stops to ensure the holiday
crowd has plenty of entertainment to enjoy and many tables set up to feast and enjoy this social event.
Christmas carols sang out over the speakers, and people greeted each other with hugs and smiles. Chairs
were pulled up to tables, and much-needed visits were had. This was not just about a Christmas market;
this was an opportunity to spend some much-needed time with friends.

And then the stage curtains opened. Squeals of excitement erupted as children looked beyond the
tables of crafts and activities and noticed Santa himself tucked grandly between the Christmas trees,
patiently waiting for whispers of Christmas dreams and wishes. Santa radiated a welcoming warmth and
gave each child a jolly grin before allowing them all the time they needed to cuddle up and chat. With a
“Merry Christmas” and treat bag to take along their way, children moved with enthusiasm through
various tables decorating Christmas trees, penguins, and candy cane poems. Each child was also
reminded to take a turn mixing sparkling, magical reindeer food to take home, essential to any
Christmas Eve traditions. Shouts of greetings and laughter continued to fill the Agri-centre, welcoming
the yuletide spirit and holiday cheer.