Simcoe’s alternative holiday market is making room for more unusual gifts, more activities and, organizers hope, more people dressed as Krampus.
The fifth annual Krampus is Coming: Witches’ Yuletide Market returns Saturday, November 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds.
Organizers Melinda Passmore and Jeremy Ransom spoke with our newsroom about how the event began and what visitors can expect.
For its fifth year, the market is moving from the Junior Farmers’ Building into the larger CIBC Auditorium, giving organizers more room for vendors and activities.
While the selection reflects the event’s witchy and Yuletide themes, Passmore and Ransom say shoppers will also find lighter, playful creations.
They say visitors sometimes bring friends or relatives who are unsure whether the market is for them, only to discover handmade items and unusual gifts that catch their interest.
Krampus will be available for free photos, and visitors are encouraged to dress as the character for a new costume contest.
Vendors will also compete in a booth-decorating contest, adding to the atmosphere throughout the auditorium.
Other offerings include flash tattoos and piercings, tarot and other readings, food, drinks and desserts, along with free popcorn.
To mark the fifth anniversary, the first 50 people through the doors will receive a gift — double the number offered in previous years.
Passmore and Ransom say the enthusiasm of visitors remains one of the rewards of organizing the event.
The market is also introducing $300 in Krampus Bucks, which will be handed out for visitors to spend with participating vendors. Vendors can then redeem the shopping bucks with organizers.
Behind the event is the Order of the Graham Tradition, whose members share the work of planning, organizing and running the market.
Passmore and Ransom say that support is essential, with each member taking on a role to bring the event together.
Organizers say booth fees cover the market’s costs, allowing them to keep admission free. They have also seen growing support from local businesses and community members helping spread the word.
Vendor previews are being shared on the Krampus is Coming: A Witches’ Yuletide Market social media pages.