École H.J. Cody High School’s first annual Christmas Market on Saturday, November 23, proved to be a tremendous success.
During the event, the market was attended by approximately 300 community members from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“We couldn’t stop smiling,” said Jamie Fisher, educational assistant at H.J. Cody, and one of the market’s organizers.
“The joy it brought to the students and our community was wonderful.”
The school decided to host the event after educational assistant and market organizer Holly Schultz received word back in August that the Yuletide Festival would not be taking place this year.
At the annual Yuletide Festival, students in the Creative Gems program at H.J. Cody had participated for the past two years, and students involved in the program counted on revenue generated at the event and the opportunity to gain work experience from the market.
Knowing the event wouldn’t happen this year, Schultz and Fisher requested permission from the school’s leadership to host a market of their own at the school.
Apart from students at H.J. Cody students throughout the Chinook's Edge schools in Sylvan Lake as well as some of the parents were invited to sell homemade products.
Products found at the market included jewelry, baking, Christmas mats, Christmas decorations, T-shirts, potted plants and floral arrangements, 3D printed products, and woodworking crafts.
Apart from browsing and purchasing the items on sale, attendees got the opportunity to listen to a performance by the H.J. Cody band, listen to the cast for the upcoming production of Alice in Wonderland sing Christmas carols, and have the chance to see Santa.
At the event, more than $300 was raised, and a significant amount of food donations were collected for the Sylvan Lake Food Bank.
“It was a lot of work and energy, but when we saw it all rolled out and felt all the magic in the air, it was amazing,” said Fisher.
“All day long, I was weeping happy tears. It was just so successful and a real privilege to see all the hard work pay off,” Schultz added.
The Christmas Market was another way for the school to give back to the community, Principal Alex Lambert said.
“It was a great opportunity for our students who participate in Creative Gems to engage with the community, showcase their work, and be proud of it. We love that it provided opportunities to students and families throughout our community and that we had the privilege of welcoming our community into the walls of our school.”
The event was enjoyed by youth throughout the community.
"My favourite part of this event was Santa Claus," H.J. Cody student Cowen Garrow said.
"My favourite part of the day was the Christmas spirit," Indy Robinson added.
With the event being such a success, the school plans to host a market again next year.
“Community spirit is strong in Sylvan Lake and we are grateful. Thank you to everyone who attended and to our many volunteers,” Fisher and Schultz said.
