ESTEVAN — The Estevan Farmers Market marked the start of its holiday season on Nov. 23 with its first sale in the hallway of the Estevan Market Mall. Vendors and shoppers gathered to celebrate the return of this seasonal tradition.
"We are very excited about our first sale," said Marilyn Simons, market offsite manager. "I think we've had that long break from summer, and our local community is excited to have us back."
The market featured a variety of vendors offering sweet and savoury treats for humans and pets, handmade jewellery, holiday décor, household items and more. The first sale provided an array of unique gifts and stocking stuffer ideas.
A special initiative, Stocking Stuffers for Seniors, sponsored by ReCharge Massage Studeio, also participated in the market. Shoppers could pick up a tag, purchase a stocking stuffer for a senior, and return the tag with their contribution.
"It's a program where people come down, grab a tag, go buy a stocking stuffer, bring it back, and then it helps support seniors in need," Simons explained.
(The next edition of the Mercury and SaskToday will have more on Stocking Stuffers for Seniors).
The group will be back every week except for Dec. 7, when a different local charitable organization will participate.
This year, the market welcomed seven new vendors, adding to its diverse offerings from many loyal participants that come back every year. Simons noted that up to 30 vendors can be accommodated in the mall's hallway, creating a vibrant shopping environment.
"The vendors in general love being right in the middle of all the action," she said. "They love to be where the people are and see all their smiling faces as soon as they walk in the door."
The market will continue every Saturday leading up to Christmas, with sales scheduled on Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, and Dec. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors may also stay longer up until the mall closure, providing shoppers additional opportunities to explore their offerings.
Simons expressed gratitude for the support of both the community and the Estevan Market Mall.
"We appreciate the partnership with the mall every year as we collaborate because our joint customer base comes out to support everybody, and we just love the local support," she said, noting that the mall takes care of the setup for their sales, which is greatly appreciated as well.
For sale line-ups and updates, visit the Estevan Farmers' Market Facebook page.
