Whether you waltz, foxtrot, samba or quickstep, spring into the spirit of the season at Lakeside Dance’s fourth annual Holiday Market this Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Organized by co-owners of Lakeside, Ashley and Adam Spadafora, local vendors will be offering handcrafted gifts, gourmet treats and unique finds for everyone on your list, including jewellery, hand-knit scarves, soy candles, sourdough bread and baked goods, and Tupperware and mugs.
This year, all attendees will have a chance to win one of two $100 gift certificates that can be redeemed against the price of Lakeside Dance’s private Latin or ballroom dance lessons, line dancing, or wedding dance lessons.
“As the holiday season approaches, the market ... is set to open its doors, bringing festive cheer, unique gifts, and a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable woman, Marlene Wren,” Ashley said.
Established in her mother’s memory, “this market has grown into a beloved community tradition, showcasing local artisans, supporting small businesses, and celebrating the spirit of the season.”
Ashley explained that her mother always supported her love of dancing; she also enjoyed attending vendor events and bringing people together.
“When I first started teaching children (to) dance, she would attend every (recital) and help out backstage, I still remember the smile on her face," Ashley said.
“In 2014, my husband and I opened the doors to Lakeside Dance, a Latin/ballroom and line dancing studio for adults. Even though she was dealing with health issues at this time, she would insist on helping us with the finishing touches at our new studio, by grabbing a paintbrush and helping in any way she could."
“This market is the least I could do to honour her at her favourite time of year. With the festive decorations and the holiday music playing, I know she would absolutely love this event.”
Luigina Benvenuto founded her small business, Luigina’s Cucina, in 2020.
“This will be my second year returning to Lakeside. Adam and Ashley’s home has a quaint and refreshing atmosphere. What I enjoy most about the event is meeting the people and watching them taste my lasagna. It’s my specialty,” Benvenuto said. “(I) hope that they enjoy it as much as I do.”
She will have lasagna to taste and frozen lasagna to take home, in addition to custom Christmas baskets which will carry her traditional homemade jar of sauce or "sugo."
She says she has been told her lasagna has an “old-soul feel” with “the taste of a traditional nonna-style made by a young mom.”
Leyla Younesi will also be a vendor at Saturday's event. She started her business, Younesbodybalm, with the help of her family and friends just a couple of months ago.
“Younesbodybalm is a natural, unscented blend of olive oil, beeswax, jojoba oil and arrowroot powder,” Younesi said. “It is carefully crafted to hydrate and protect dry and sensitive skin, it is perfect for people with conditions like eczema or keratosis pilaris; as well as for young children and expecting mothers offering a nourishing solution for all skin-care types.”
She is looking forward to the market.
“I get to showcase my own product in my hometown and really immerse myself in the community; it is always special to participate in local events, where I can build deeper connections with neighbours, customers and other small-business owners.”
“The support of my community means everything to me as a small-business owner, every word of encouragement, every purchase and every piece of feedback helps my business grow and is why I started this journey. The sense of support and success in a community like ours is invaluable,” Younesi said.
Buying from these local entrepreneurs ensures they thrive, Ashley said.
“We encourage our community to come out to meet our amazing vendors and shop local this holiday season,” Ashley said.
The address is 2723 Ireton St. Learn more about Lakeside Dance by visiting its website.
