Holiday favourite: Meadow Lake’s largest Christmas market is set for Nov. 22

She recalled how the Holly Berry “used to have so many people come out, lots of vendors, and it was a really loved market in Meadow Lake.”

But after COVID-19 and the fire that destroyed the community’s old hockey arena, there was nowhere large enough to host it. The organizers at that time made one last effort to keep it alive in 2020 by going virtual, but the online format couldn’t match the warmth and bustle of the in-person event.

“The loss of it was really felt in the community,” she said.

When the city’s new Co-op Centre opened earlier this year, Stremick decided it was time.

“I figured I would just jump in head first and get it rolling again,” she said. “I know it was always such a successful event and one that a lot of people in the community really looked forward to.”

A full house of holiday cheer

This year’s market will feature over 100 handmade and local vendors offering Christmas treats, knitted scarves, woodwork, jewelry, and seasonal décor. Vendors are coming from across northern Saskatchewan and Alberta — including Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Lloydminster, Bonnyville, and Cold Lake.

The event will also support several community causes. The Meadow Lake Hospital Foundation will offer Santa photos in the lobby as a fundraiser, while the Meadow Lake and District Humane Society plans to bring adoptable animals and sell pet stockings. Visitors can also sign up to volunteer for the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games, or pick up dried fruit and nuts from the Canadian Parents for French table to support French immersion programs.

“We just really want it to be a fun day out for everyone involved,” said Stremick.

“I love Christmas. I’m hoping to bring a bit of that Christmas joy out.”

A one-woman show

Stremick began organizing the market in April, when the city announced rental details for the new fieldhouse. She officially booked the space in August and started recruiting vendors through Facebook and Instagram.

“This is definitely the biggest event I have organized,” she said with a laugh. “And I’m doing it on my own.”

She said she wanted the event to highlight both familiar local makers and the ones from farther afield — “to support our local vendors, but also bring in vendors who may provide products that we can’t access locally.”

Hoping for a big turnout

In its prime, the Holly Berry market drew between 1,500 and 2,000 visitors every year — numbers Stremick hopes to see again.

“I’ve been trying to get the word out as much as possible,” she said. “Especially since it hasn’t been hosted recently, some people may not know that it is coming back.”

Whether it reaches those numbers or not, she said, the goal is simple: bring the community together in the spirit of the season.

“I’m a huge Christmas person,” Stremick said. “If nobody else was going to bring it back, it had to come back somehow.”

The Holly Berry Christmas Craft Show runs Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Co-op Centre Fieldhouse.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

Holiday favourite: Meadow Lake’s largest Christmas market is set for Nov. 22

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