(Skyla Baroud is the organizer of the Market in the Park supporting the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund. The Market takes place on October 16 at the Pioneer Plains Park in Stittsville. Photo: Skyla and son taken by Erin Reid of Hello Lovely)
Looking for a fun way to spend one of the last warm Saturdays of the year? This Saturday, plan to take a walk around some of the conservation trails at Pioneer Plains Park, where more than twenty local artisans and businesses are participating in a pop-up market for a charitable cause.
With the fundraiser supporting The Snowsuit Fund, proceeds from vendor registrations, sponsorships, and on-site fundraising will directly support the purchase of snowsuits for children from low-income families living in Ottawa. Donations of gently used and laundered snowsuits, as well as monetary donations, will also be accepted on site.
Stittsville’s Skyla Baroud (of Skyla Handmade) is organizing the Market in the Park this year. Although this is her first time planning a market solo, Skyla isn’t new to the fundraising game. In 2018, she helped to plan and organize the successful Veils & Cocktails event, in support of Dress for Success Ottawa.
The Snowsuit Fund is an Ottawa-based charity that raises funds for the purchase and distribution of snowsuits to needy children 15 years and under. Every year, the charity distributes 16,000 or more snowsuits. Skyla chose to support The Snowsuit Fund as she understands how important it is for children to have snowsuits. “Since becoming a parent myself, I have a complete understanding of how essential it is to get kids outside to play no matter what the weather brings to us. I also see how very expensive it is to live in a city that gets temperatures as low as -40 and as high as +40 degrees celsius! All kids should have the opportunity to play outside, especially here in Ottawa where there are so many beautiful outdoor spaces and awesome tobogganing hills.”
Market in the Park takes place on Saturday, October 16th, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Pioneer Plains Park (Stittsville Main St and Kimpton Dr). There are many local vendors participating in Market in the Park this year:
- Rock Out 4 Jack
- Nat’s Bread Company Ltd.
- The Gnome Dealer
- Lullabuys Consignment
- Spence Retro Gaming
- Total Ignite
- JacintaINK/JacintaPICS
- Murphy-Burke Designs
- This N That Cre8tions
- ScienceCobs
- Skip the Kibble
- CZEN WARES
- The Cozy Crosby
- Crafted by Claudia
- Sociable Stylist
- Soap Chest Quest
- Avo Initiative Ltd.
- Little Red Brick House
- Illusive Artworks
- Willfully Wired
- Spiceful Cuisine
- Caitlin’s Creations
- Knot Hole Woodworking
Admission to the market is free. However, everyone is encouraged to purchase at least one raffle ticket (only $5). Raffle prizes are generously donated by vendors, and all proceeds from the raffle will go to The Snowsuit Fund. Visitors are asked to please bring cash, as not all vendors will be accepting payments by card or electronic methods. While parking is available at the park, please utilize the ample space for street parking on Stittsville Main Street in order to reserve closer parking spaces for persons with disabilities.
As per COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, there is a limit to the number of participants in the market (including all guests, vendors, and volunteers). Everyone is expected to stay two metres apart from each other, and to wear a mask while participating in the market. Additionally, there will be a sanitizing station upon entry. Since it is an outdoor event, proof of vaccination is not required.
Make your way to Pioneer Plains Park this Saturday to enjoy a morning walk, support a great cause and local businesses, and kickstart your holiday shopping!