A full range of artisinal goods is expected at a special Christmas-themed market in Cedar this Sunday. (Cedar Farmers Market)

By Alex Rawnsley

holiday season

Cedar Farmers Market wraps with special Santa visit

Nov 10, 2024 | 7:28 AM

NANAIMO — Eager holiday shoppers and extra excited kids will be drawn down to Cedar for the final market of the 2024 season.

The Cedar Farmers Market will officially close for the year following a special Christmas-themed event on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the field behind the former Woodbank Elementary School on Woobank Rd.

Market executive director Kate Poirier told NanaimoNewsNOW thousands typically flock to the event, rain or shine, to get a jump start on their holiday season.

“People really like to get their shopping out of the way and also just joining in the last hurrah of the regular season and we still have lots of different crops coming in from our farmers even though we’re getting into November now, so it’s a really good time to bring it all together.”

Over 100 different vendors will be on hand ranging from fresh produce to baked goods, art, jewellery, pottery, wood and leather works, and more.

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Porier said while the forecast doesn’t look great, they’re still expecting a solid turnout.

“If the farmers will work their fields in that weather, we’re going to be there. We have a lot more people who are willing to shop in the rain, I think people have come to terms with the fact this is the wet coast and people want to support local.”

Kids will have the opportunity to meet up with Santa Claus and get in their Christmas lists early. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

A highlight for many is one of the first visits for the year by Santa Claus, who will be situated on the main stage from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., greeting kids and hearing their holiday wishes.

“He usually tries to come to our market as one of his first visits to the area,” Poirier said. “We have some of the best carrots in the region and also lots and lots of cookie makers.”

Despite some weather-related setbacks this year with a higher-than-normal number of rainy Sunday’s, Poirier said the market continues to grow.

Organizers will do a full debrief of the year following this weekend.

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