Organizers of The Armoury Christmas Market in Chatham are already planning a "bigger and better" event for December 2020.
The first-ever Christmas market at the Armoury opened its doors in mid-December and saw approximately 5,000 people in attendance. Not only did it feature several vendors and live music, but there were also outdoor lights displays -- that appear to have pleased many.
Lisa Lester said she has heard nothing but positive feedback.
"It was a lot of work but it was definitely worth it because it's just nice to bring something like that to Chatham," she said. "With [this being the] the first year, I didn't think it would be quite so popular so we were so overjoyed that that many people had heard about it."
After the costs of running the market were covered, organizers were able to donate nearly $10,000 to four organizations on Christmas Eve. The money was split between the Chatham-Kent Children's Treatment Centre, Community Living, Chatham Hope Haven, and Conductive Ed.
"Next year, I'm hoping that I can get a charity that we're going to support each day of the market," she said.
However, in order to support more community organizations, more corporate sponsors will be needed. Lester said they're also hoping to incorporate different animations for the outdoor displays and possibly include fireworks for next year's Christmas market.
"We all had a blast. Just being here, put us in the Christmas spirit even though we were working," she said. "Nowadays with social media, it was just nice to be able to see people face-to-face at this time of year and just catch-up."
In addition, to giving back to the community and offering residents in the area something to do over the holidays, Lester said it also helped out local vendors who sold a lot of items. The vendors did so well, that they had approached organizers about a spring-time market at the Armoury around Easter.
"We're going to get on that soon and we'll be announcing dates, we are possibly looking at Good Friday," said Lester.
Stopped by the Christmas Market at the Armoury last night in Chatham.... WOW!
Full shows start tonight and run until Boxing Day! #ckont @Country929 pic.twitter.com/o1BKeXzJrq— Cheryl Johnstone (@CFCOCheryl) December 20, 2019
