The Downtown Timmins BIA is working with Centre Culturel La Ronde to put together a Winter Market in the downtown area this Saturday, February 16th.

“This is a celebration of Bonhomme Carnavale,” said BIA Executive Director, Noella Rinaldo, “and we wanted, for the first year, to participate in it. So we were able to get the street closed off and we have a few events on the streets. But we’re really excited about our Farmer’s Market also. This is a way for us to say hello to our farmers who we haven’t seen in a few months.”

Third Avenue will be closed between Pine Street and Cedar Street for the event, which runs from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday.

The Winter Market will host the Timmins Firefighters with a firetruck on scene for kids to explore. There will also be a fire pit so kids can stay warm. Plus, Denis Vien from Bec Sucre will be making and selling taffy with fresh maple syrup poured onto snow.

“He is bringing his own snow,” said Rinaldo, “because he does bring nice, clean, fresh snow. And he’ll be making taffy out on the street so people can purchase some taffy, if they like. Some fresh maple syrup taffy.”

Seymore’s Pantry, which celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday, is providing space for farmers and vendors. Dream Acres Alpacas will be selling warm socks, hats and mitts. They’ll also be selling their chocolate.

Sunrise Orchards is selling fresh pies and jams. And Acres of Dreams is selling meat products. Fromagerie Kapuskoise and Just Beecause Chocolates and Confections will also be selling food.

This is the first Winter Market for the BIA, and they are happy to shine a light on Centre Culturel La Ronde’s Winter Carnaval.

“We really wanted to be in on the ground level,” said Rinaldo, “so that next year we can build it to be bigger. It’s hard to do winter activities and we so appreciate the fact that La Ronde is celebrating the French culture with Bonhomme Carnaval. So this is an opportunity for us to get our feet in the door and try to start to build something up for next year. […] We’re hoping that it just grows every year and becomes a bigger event for the whole community.”

The event will be fun for the whole family and you can stock up on warm clothes and local food for the rest of the weekend.

“Come on down!” said Rinaldo. “They’re predicting a lot of snow again, so it’s great to just come on down. Maybe pick up fresh pies and a warm hat and a nice steak for supper. And you’ll be all set for Saturday night and Sunday. So it’s a great opportunity to come down and get into the winter spirit and celebrate some of the local food.”

Filed under: Local News