A Christmas market filled with fun festivities and carol singing
RIVONIA - Squeals of delight, sounds of laughter and the joyous melodies of Christmas carols filled the atmosphere at the first Christmas Market held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on 22 November.
Community members of all ages came out in their numbers to celebrate the festive season at the market, which was hosted by the Catholic community in Rivonia.
According to Jenefer Morgan, one of the event organisers, the market will be an annual event on the church’s calendar.
“The support for the first-ever Christmas Market was wonderful, especially considering all the other Christmas markets on the day,” said Morgan.
The market was also a success in helping to raise funds for seven young people of the parish to travel to Warsaw, Poland in 2016 for the World Youth Day celebrations. Morgan said the market contributed to about 20 percent of the funds they need for the trip.
The day was filled with fun activities to keep the whole family entertained. Children were enthralled by Christmas storytelling and songs, as well as playing on the jumping castle.
While some community members took the opportunity to kick-back and enjoy lunch on the lawn, others took the chance to get ahead in their Christmas shopping.
The Gifted Folks Musical Group brought the crowd to a standstill with their soulful melodies. Morgan said their performance was a highlight for her.
Among the array of exhibitions on display were the handiwork of three Catholic charities, beadwork from the Good Shepherd Sisters, handmade Christmas cards from the Carmelite Sisters and Christmas puddings from San Salvador, a home for intellectually impaired women run by the Dominicans.
As the spicy scent of gluhwein filled the air and the sky grew darker, it was time for market-goers to sing Christmas carols and draw the fun market to a close.
