Five events you have to check out in South Simcoe this weekend

If you like to shop, it may just be your time to shine. 

With American Thanksgiving done for another year, this is often the weekend many bargain hunters head out in search of great deals ahead of the holidays. But you don’t need to stand in the cold outside of a big-box store or circle a parking lot for an hour to find some great gift ideas. There are plenty of bazaars and sales taking place at churches and community halls in Bradford and Innisfil. 

So shop local. Buy a great piece of art or a unique food product from vendors who live and work in the area. It helps our economy, and your neighbours.

Here’s what’s happening in South Simcoe in the coming days:

Christmas craft fair comes to Lefroy

The annual Christmas craft fair returns to the village Saturday, Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’ll feature 18 artisans in the Grange Hall, along with baked goods, penny and white elephant tables, a vendor basket and homemade soup lunch (takeout is available) in the Lefroy United Church basement. Bring a non-perishable donation for the Innisfil Food Bank. The address is 931 Church Dr. For more details, call 705-456-2098 or email [email protected]. 

Craft and bake sale in Bond Head

The Bond Head Women’s Institute hosts its annual Christmas craft and bake sale Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bond Head Community Memorial Hall (2892 County Road 27). Thirty-four vendors will offer everything from quilts to wooden ornaments, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and Olaf are planned, too. There will also be soup, mac and cheese, desserts and Christmas cakes. And Sir William Osler Public School students will have a variety of different crafts available including gift cards, ornaments and wooden decor.

Pop into another market

The fourth annual holiday market, presented by the Innisfil Pop-Up Market, runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Stroud Innisfil Community Centre (7883 Yonge St.). More than 25 vendors will offer products and services, and Santa and the Grinch will make appearances. There will also be a smart-television giveaway and the first 100 people to make a purchase will receive a free swag bag. Non-perishable items will be collected for the Innisfil Food Bank. Get more information by following the pop-up market’s Instagram page.

A sweet gingerbread house competition 

Rotary Club of Innisfil is hosting the Simcoe County Gingerbread House Contest Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event takes place at the Innisfil ideaLAB and Library's Lakeshore branch (967 Innisfil Beach Rd.). Categories include Kids, Youth, Adult and Group/Team. Celebrity judges include Food Network competitors Beatriz Muller and Teresa Araujo. For more information, check out thescgc.ca or email [email protected]. 

Flock to this holiday market

Shop, eat and drink at the Three Feathers Terrace annual holiday market (1263 3rd Line) in Innisfil on Sunday, Dec. 1. Local artists and makers will fill all your holiday needs. Admission is free, though a donation to the local food drive would be appreciated. There will be complimentary photos with Santa. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Got an upcoming event or news tip to share? Email it to [email protected].