ERIN – After teaching and tutoring high school kids, building her small business at home and volunteering in her community, Heather Asling is still dedicated to giving Erin a Christmas market like no other.
Asling created Christmas in Erin last year and, due to the event’s success, has expanded it into a two-day market.
On Nov. 16 and 17 the agri-dome area at the Erin fairgrounds will be filled with food trucks, 20 vendors and Christmas fun.
It will run Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
“We have all sorts of things for people to get their Christmas shopping done locally so they don’t have to travel out of town,” said Asling.
“There’s something for every age group, from babies to adults.”
Her goal is to showcase local businesses while promoting holiday spirit.
Guests can expect local artisans, pony rides, a mini petting zoo, craft activities for kids, face painting, contests and a Christmas-themed photo booth.
“We ask for a $2 donation from the adults only and 100 per cent of that goes to East Wellington Community Services,” Asling told the Advertiser.
East Wellington Community Services offers programs and services that include a food bank, senior services, an adult day program, transportation services and more.
Asling plans to donate the money before Christmas to help with the agency’s Christmas fund.
She believes the service is a “core resource in the town” and hopes the funds will help with food insecurity.
Last year she raised over $1,500 at the event.
“New this year is a photo booth with some Christmas characters,” she said noting the affordable photo prices for families.
Another new feature will be the “Christmas pony rides” from WindyRidge Stables for $5.
Erin-based Mimosa Springs Alpacas will be co-hosting the event with Asling, helping with “key pieces” of the event.
“I’ve tried to get a really broad spectrum of vendors,” Asling said.
The Ontario Reptile Rescue organization will also be there, possibly bringing along some reptiles.
As for the food aspect, Miller’s Meat food truck is set to offer breakfast food along with burgers, hot dogs and poutine.
The FusionZ food truck will also be on site “providing other flavours and Christmas music,” stated Asling.
“The goal is to have a Christmas event that benefits the community and [is] also affordable,” she noted.
The market will have unique gifts for everyone and “it’s a way to remind our local population that there are a lot of great small businesses,” stated Asling.
