With temperatures dropping and weather forecasts that may include snow, it means Christmas is just around the corner. While it may seem early, one local tradition is the perfect way to get residents in a holiday mood.
The Schumacher Lions Club Christmas Craft Show is set for Nov. 10-12 at the McIntyre arena.
“It opens on the Friday night 5-9 p.m, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m,” said Rob Huff, chairman of the Christmas Craft Show. “It’s in the McIntyre Arena. We have the whole arena for the show.
“We’ll have a whole bunch of vendors in there. We’ll have everything from soaps and bath bombs to wall hangings to quilts — a little bit of everything.”
The wide variety of vendors provides lots of opportunity to find something you like, or the perfect present for someone special.
“It’s a Christmas Craft and Gift Show. So, if you can’t find a craft you like, maybe you’ll find a gift you’ll like,” he said. “We have a lot of local vendors. Some come from out of town. I have one coming from Sturgeon Falls, they bring fur mitts and fur hats. It’s beautiful stuff she has.
“Everybody has a good time. And Santa Claus will be there, of course.”
Volunteers from the Lions Club have been busy lining up vendors for the popular show.
“Something new this year for vendors is we’re offering a one-table booth,” Huff said. “We had a lot of requests from vendors who didn’t require a whole booth, but would come in if they had a smaller area. That will add more new vendors to the craft show this year.
“It’s three days worth of selling and we range anywhere from 3,500-4,500 people attending during the three days.”
Any vendors who want to take part can call event co-chairs Gabrielle at 705-268-0548 or Carrie at 705-288-0288.
It is one of the biggest fundraising events of the year for the Lions Club. All funds raised help individuals, groups and organizations in the Timmins area.
“The money raised always goes back to the local community, whether that’s to the local food banks or people in need, local charities, Timmins and District Hospital, and much more,” he said. “We distribute the money locally to those that require some extra help in Timmins and area.”
With the Christmas craft show being a local tradition, there is a good chance you’ll run into some old friends.
“It’s always a good time,” Huff said. “We have some people who do some amazing decorating for us.
“Come out, see Santa and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.”