34th Annual Dickens Fair

James Bay Market Society

By Kate King
Dickens Fair Coordinator

The days are getting shorter and our to-do lists are getting longer. The holiday season is upon us and everywhere we look we see lights, wreaths, festive decorations adorning everything from family homes to city lampposts. The cheer of the season gives us a feeling of warmth as we head into the frostiest time of the year.

James Bay is also warming up for the 34th annual Dickens Fair. Hosted by the James Bay Market Society, this year the fair showcases 60 plus juried local vendors along with activities and attractions for all ages.

Our café will take the chill away with hot drinks and the same mouthwatering soups, quiches and other favorites from last year. If you are looking for that unique and beautiful gift, you are sure to find it among our diverse and talented local vendors.

Not sure what to get for that “hard to buy for” person on your list? Need that one of a kind decoration? Tired of the commercial “look-a-likes” on the shelves and want that unique item that brings a sparkle to your eye? The Dickens Fair is the place to be. Our artisans offer a great variety of quality and affordable products that will appeal to everyone.

You will find knitted and hand woven scarves, hats and gloves and other accessories perfect for men, women, teens and tots. Leather and hand sewn fabric purses, clothing made from bamboo and the finest cotton, tie-dye apparel in all types and sizes… from fun to funky we have it all!

We have one of a kind sterling silver, copper and pewter jewelry. You will also find necklaces, rings, and earrings crafted from copper, brass, gemstones and glass. Beautiful pendants made from vintage postage stamps and beaded jewelry bags are perfect for any occasion.

How about exquisite lead-free pewter bowls, flatware, dishes, knife sets, or candleholders and decorative beeswax candles?

Deck the halls with hanging cloth angels, Santa dolls, snowmen, elves, reindeer and hand painted Christmas balls. Hand carved decorated egg shells are a marvel to behold and glass trees, plates, stars, rainbow will add color and personality to your home. From cheerful greeting cards to beautiful art prints, pottery to sculpture, and handmade wooden birdhouses, our exhibitors will not cease to amaze you with their fine workmanship.

Don’t forget to pamper yourself! All-natural body products for men and women include soaps, shampoo and shaving bars, even laundry soap. Specialty herbal products are also available: teas, honey, salves, tinctures, infused oils, gels, body scrubs, mineral sea soaks to name a few.

Delicious delights from our specialty exhibitors will be hard to resist. For starters on the list we have organic beef and mouthwatering sausages, frozen meat pies, Butter Chicken, Chick Pea Masala, Christmas puddings, gourmet and gluten-free baking, organic fudge and specialty candy.  

Salsas for any diet, sea salts, culinary infusions and blends, homemade hot sauce for every taste. Jams, jellies, marmalades, maple syrup, handmade crackers and spiced nuts to add to your appy trays.

And for Fido you will find bedding and accessories, even doggie biscuit greeting cards!

The Dickens Fair is a destination for all ages. Children and adults alike will love meeting the Chicken Lady’s wonderful feathered friends. These amazing birds love attention and are counting on you to bring it. We were told, “Don’t count your chickens”…but do count on these chickens to put a smile on everyone’s face!

The James Bay Community School PAC committee will be coordinating the craft area and cookie decorating station that is popular with children and adults alike. There is also a giant Lego table that is a Dickens Fair favorite. A talented face painter will embellish the young and “young at heart” with adorable unicorns, ferocious tigers, ladybugs or whatever your heart desires!  

There is so much to explore and discover with our quality local artisans, bakers, and makers. There will be a full day of live music from soft classic rock to traditional Celtic with Celtic Reflections, Route 66, George Bence of Tropical Vibe and Slow Pokes Ceilidh Band.

All of this and more is happening on Saturday, December 6^th from 10am to 5pm at the James Bay Community Center in the heart of James Bay located at 140 Oswego Street. Come in out of the cold and visit the Dickens Fair, a wonderful way to spend the day with family and friends. Let us awaken your senses while you shop, eat, play, and enjoy the best the holiday season has to offer.