By Thomas Smith
A new Christmas tradition is coming to Minden Hills.
The Keller family, led by Taylor Keller, is organizing the first annual Keller’s Winter Yule Market.
Keller says that the Yule Market will have a variety of items available including handmade body products, handmade jewelry, handmade candles, spell kits and smudge bundles, crystals, hand made charcuterie boards, custom orders for Cornhole boards, crocheted items, photography prints, hand painted items, handmade leather items, tea sets, oddities and more.
There is an emphasis on the Yule part of the market. Keller says that her work is far from ordinary, with many items and vendors encouraged to bring items you wouldn’t see at your typical Christmas market. Think of things you would find in an apothecary’s cabinet.
The family planned the event for her grandmother Haze Keller.
Keller, who will be celebrating her 93rd birthday at the Yule Market, was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. The family thought that the market would put a smile on her face during this holiday season.
After posting about the Yule Market to Facebook, Keller received a huge influx of interested local artisans asking if they could be a part of the show.
“Originally we had the whole event planned before announcing it,” said Keller. “We had reached out to vendors that we thought would be interested prior to even making it public.”
After so many people asked to be a part of the fun, Keller let additional vendors sign up for a table.
Quickly filling up spots, Keller says that there is a list of interested vendors who will be taking part in a spring market, if this Yule Market goes well.
“It was great to feel so welcomed and people have such an interest,” said Keller.
While Keller says that winter is not her favourite season, holiday markets like her family’s Yule Market are shining lights during the cold, dark winter.
“I love giving and this is a great way to help support local artists,” said Keller. “I love getting to spend time with family and I really enjoy holiday markets. They feel so warm and kind.”
If the Yule Market is successful, the Kellers hope to run it as an annual tradition.
“I think it’s really great to live in a community where such a thing is possible,” said Keller. “My family and I have always been creators and it’s really exciting to create an event together where we can showcase our work.”
With Christmas right around the corner, the Yule Market is an excellent opportunity to purchase something that is locally made. Even if you are pushing it close to the big day.
While no name or date has been decided on for their spring market, the Kellers suspect that they are going to need a location bigger than the Lion’s Hall in Minden.
If you are interested in participating with their spring market, please DM Keller on instagram @taykeller or email her mother Gypsy@tribalgypsy.net.
The Keller’s Winter Yule Market will be taking place at the Minden Lion’s Hall on Saturday Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Refreshments of tea and coffee and a warm meal will be available.
If you see Haze in her birthday hat don’t forget to wish her a happy birthday!
