The Grafton Outdoor Christmas Market is returning this year with some changes, including moving from the street to the Haldimand Community Memorial Arena.
A Facebook page states the Market will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 12 to 5 p.m. on the grounds of the Grafton Arena with vendors, free skating, kids activities, food and Santa. There is financial support provided by St. Anne’s Spa and the Grafton Village Inn.
The event got another boost from Alnwick/Haldimand Township council this week, approving a request from organizers to waive the fees that would otherwise cost around $2,500.
“The Market is organized annually by the Grafton Public School Parent Council on an entirely volunteer basis, and it continues to serve as our school’s primary fundraising initiative. Proceeds from past markets have supported enrichment activities such as “Scientists in School”, dance and drama workshops, field trips, and the planting of new trees and installation of recreational equipment on our playground,” states a letter from Julie Perry of the Grafton Public School Council.
“Importantly, this event has grown beyond a school fundraiser to become a true community celebration. Local non- profit organizations including St. Andrew’s United Church, St. George’s Anglican Church, Alnwick Haldimand Library, and St. Mary’s Catholic School participate each year, raising funds for their own programs and outreach. Thanks to these partnerships, and with support from local businesses and residents, the Market now draws several thousand attendees annually from across Northumberland and beyond.
Perry’s letter noted that traffic management has become an increasing concern as the event continues to grow.
“To address this, we are proposing to relocate the Market to the grounds of the Haldimand Memorial Arena, where vendors would be set up around the walking track. This location will preserve the charm and spirit of the Grafton Stroll, while ensuring greater safety, expanded parking, and reduced disruption for residents.”
Councillor Greg Booth asked if there were other programs running during the time requested. Manager of Parks, Recreation and Facilities Jeremy Giles said he was able to work with a user group that was booked and move them to an earlier time slot as Market organizers want exclusive use of the facility.
Deputy Mayor Joan Stover was concerned about the potential future impact of waiving the fees.
“It’s been a difficult decision but I can’t support not getting the rental fee,” she said. “This is a very good cause, don’t get me wrong. There’s a lot of good causes out there and we could have somebody else saying we want to rent the whole facility, the ice and everything…we’ve already set a precedent so where does that leave us.”
Booth said the event has normally been on the street and wondered why it’s moving to the arena.
Councillor Mary Catherine O’Neill said The Grafton Village Inn is not available this year as one of the venues and she sees advantages to the event being off the street. She noted there is already some precedent as the Roseneath Fair uses the Alnwick Civic Centre for that weekend.
O’Neill noted support for the Grafton event as it’s not only a fundraising group, but also an economic development driver for local entrepreneurs who are vendors. She did, however, recommend a policy be developed going forward for such cases instead of one-off decisions being made at council table.
Councillor Mike Ainsworth said the township should be recognized as a sponsor as this would be a donation.
Mayor John Logel suggested the organizers should apply as part of the community grants process during budget time. He later noted there’s still $250 from the 2025 community grants pot.
Booth wanted to make sure the group was providing insurance even though fees would be waived. He suggested deferring a decision to make sure the group has insurance, especially with using the pathway around the arena in December.
Giles said all user groups must provide proof of insurance in order to sign a rental contract.
Booth went ahead and put forth a motion to defer in order to confirm with the organizers they are providing insurance if council is waiving all fees
Giles reiterated the process would still be that they sign a contract to enter into formal agreement with the township even if it reflects zero dollars spent.
“As part of that agreement, they would have to provide the Certificate of Insurance,” Giles said. “As point of clarity, we do not allow people to use the facilities without providing the township with Certificate of Insurance for any of our rentals.”
Logel said “so if I understand you correctly, irregardless of what we decide here, if they sign an agreement they have to have insurance.”
Giles said “if they want to use the facility, they have to provide a COI.”
Booth said he was withdrawing the motion.
“If what Jeremy is saying is true that…once they sign that they have to provide the insurance or it wouldn’t go through, I’ll withdraw that motion.”
The motion to waive the permit and rental fees was carried.
O’Neill followed up with a separate motion, which also passed, to direct the group to the 2026 budget deliberations under community grants and a more fulsome discussion regarding the future of the event to occur at a parks and recreation committee meeting.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
