It’s starting to feel like the most wonderful time of the year with more markets in Ottawa launching their holiday editions and parade-goers getting in the holiday spirit. The Kanata Santa Claus parade is the first of several parades across the city and on Saturday, helped kick start the season in the west end. It’s all a thrill for two-year-old Nelly who is excited to see Santa Claus. “The kids love it,” said Blake Courchaine, Nelly’s mother. “We have so much fun. We live right down the road. It’s a great time for everyone.” The parade started at Holy Redeemer Church and traveled along Glamorgan, Castlefrank Road and Abbeyhill Drive to Hazeldean Mall. Meanwhile, Christmas markets are also popping up across the city. In Navan, Robert Plante Greenhouses hosted it’s fourth annual Christmas Market. It says more than 300 vendors will set up within the greenhouses on Saturday and Sunday. In Wellington West, Ottawa’s second oldest market is kicking off the season with a newly expanded Parkdale Public Market “Holiday Season series” of weekends. Tina Barton, manager of the Parkdale Public Market, says there was interest in expanding the market, and this year seemed like the right time to do it. “We want it to feel like your own backyard, your own traditions,” she said. As in previous years, the Cleroux Parkdale Market vendor will be selling Christmas trees and wreaths throughout the holidays. There is also a larger one-day holiday market on the last Saturday in November. This year, Barton says there will be several vendors filling stalls set up through to Christmas in the hopes of supporting local businesses. The structures being used here were originally commissioned in the ByWard Market Vendor Village and have been moved and repainted for the Christmas market. “It seemed like it would be worth a try to bring them over here and see what people thought. And the feedback has been so positive,” said Barton. Several businesses will move through on weekends. In all, the six stalls will sell food, drinks and gifts. Natalie Fournier with Cleroux Parkdale Market says they have been selling trees in the market space for 59 years. She says she thinks the expanded market is a good idea. “It brings out more people,” she said. “Just to see more people in the community. It’s great to have all these vendors here. We’re loving it. It’s a great experience.”
