Downtown Dresden will come alive with lights and Christmas festivities Dec. 9 for the first Downtown Dresden Christmas Night Market on Main Street at St. George Street from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Organizers Morena McDonald from 99.1 Radio and Tyler Ouellette, a board member of the Dresden Sidestreets Youth Centre, came up with the idea as a fundraiser for the centre and a fun family day.
“Night markets are popular around the world, especially during the holiday season. They’ve been catching on in Canada, with cities like Toronto and Vancouver holding their own every year. We’re excited to bring this concept to Dresden for all Chatham-Kent residents to enjoy,” said Ouellette.
The night market will feature local vendors selling handmade and unique Christmas gifts, food vendors, a custom hot chocolate and coffee bar, gift wrapping, cookie decorating for kids, and more, according to McDonald, who said the whole day will a great, fun-filled family day just in time to get you excited about the holiday season.
Downtown Dresden BIA businesses will be open late, according to Christal Wills of the BIA, offering in-store specials, draws, and giveaways of more than $500.
“It’s all taking place outside at nighttime, with the downtown core lit up with lights, and Christmas music playing throughout the market,” Morena noted. “We’re excited to have Gateway Casinos & Entertainment and Dresden Ready Mix as sponsors for our first event. The community has been very supportive.”
Proceeds from the hot chocolate and coffee bar will go to the Dresden Sidestreets Youth Centre.
Dec. 9 will be a busy day in Dresden with the Sidestreets Youth Centre Breakfast with Santa in the morning at the Legion, a craft show in the afternoon, followed by the Night Market and the Dresden Kinsmen Santa Claus parade in the evening. The breakfast at the Legion runs from 8:30 -11:30 a.m. and the cost is $6 for adults, $3 for kids 3-11 and kids 2 and under eat free.
McDonald said while this is the first event like this they have organized, they are looking at doing a night market more than once a year, aiming for the summer months to possibly run a warm weather version.
