The Parksville Community and Conference Centre is currently being transformed into Christmas haven, and by the end of the weekend 10,000 people are expected to walk through the doors to Kringle Land.
It’s the 19th annual Kris Kringle Craft Market Nov. 22 -25, its third year in Parksville, and over 150 high-quality crafters will fill the grounds with their pottery, jewelry, soaps, paintings, clothing, specialty food items and much more.
Tasteful decorations will hang throughout the building and above the other stars of the show, the Kringle family. Pictures with the family by award winning child photographer Lisa Petterson will be available on a disc for $12.99 with $3 going to the Salvation Army.
Up on the stage the Kris Kringle station for the children, sponsored by Quality Foods, will have a gingerbread decorating station and Cathy Corbett’s incredible face-painting station.
Free carriage rides are available Saturday and Sunday from noon-3 p.m., along with a hot beverage served by the Cocoa girls and personalized stories. There will be live music, plenty of food and enough gift choices to buy for the whole family.
Event co-ordinator Veronica von Conruhds said she hopes all the elements of the market contribute to a great visit for people.
“I hope people come for the experience and when they leave they are feeling like, wow that was a great time at Kringle Land.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off the event happens at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at the stage inside with the Kringle family, Mayor Chris Burger, MLA Ron Cantelon and Salvation Army community services co-ordinator Lisa Clason.
The Kris Kringle Craft Market runs Thursday, Nov. 22 from noon-9 p.m., Nov. 23 from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Nov. 24 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Nov. 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $6 a day or $8 for all four days, along with any kind of food donation to the Salvation Army. Children 12 and under are free.
