We asked organizers of the first-ever Mississauga Festival of Trees to tell us a little bit more about this groundbreaking showcase of local artisans, taking place at the Small Arms Inspection Building from December 9 to 19.
“Our vision for the festival is to celebrate the winter season and provide visitors with an immersive experience, showcasing artistically designed contemporary tree and wood pile art installations,โ explains Diane LaPointe, Executive Director of CreativeHub 1352. โThey provide a backdrop for visitors to enjoy festival activities such as the artisan and culinary markets, entertainment, family events and workshops. As part of our communityโs recovery, the festival gives people an opportunity to re-engage, raise spirits and supports our economy by encouraging buying local.โย
Tell us about the art of woodpiling. What can guests expect to see when they visit this installation? And how many Christmas trees will be on display?
โWeโre working with independent artists, community groups, and postsecondary students to exhibit 4 wood piling art installations outdoors and 11 tree art installations indoors,โ says Meredith Wood, Project Manager and Digital Specialist (Marketing/Installations). โThe wood piling installations illustrate the creative interpretation of wood through stacking and piling. Imaginative and contemporary tree art installation works will celebrate the winter season and the unique cultural diversity of Mississauga. These installations, supplemented with stunning displays of lights, will transform the historic Small Arms Inspection Building and site into a winter wonderland of lights and artwork not to be missed!”ย
Tell us about the Artisan Market, taking place December 10 to 12.
โThe Artisan Market showcases a thoughtfully curated collection of talented artists from across Ontario. A great spot to find unique gifts that speak from the heartโnone of which can be found on Amazon!โ, saysย Jessica Haggeman,ย Digital Production/Event Manager (Event Lead).
What kind of unique food experiences will guests find at the Culinary Market?
The Culinary Market, running December 17 to 18, features an array of artisanal food and drink vendors from across Ontario. An immersive one-stop-shop for people looking for that special food entertainment item or gift; fresh and take-home offerings will be available. Eating is part of the experience but getting ready for the holiday entertaining season is a major theme, too.
โThis is a curated collection of artisanal food vendors from across Ontario,โ says Deborah Raymond, Culinary Market Manager, โeach catering to a wide variety of tastesโfrom traditional jarred preserves, beverages and condiments, to unique flavours such as original Tibetan cuisine, cured smoked salmon, and authentic savoury empanadas.ย Finish off your tour with an assortment of sweet treats like butter tarts or cookies baked on-site!โย
Tell us about the Ally Loves Pyjamas event, happening Sunday, December 19 from 1 to 3:30 pm.
Put on your pajamas, come join a Family PJ Party and celebrate the official book launch of Ally Loves Pajamas. Meet local author and illustrator, Christina and Paul Somers, and even Ally herself, the inspiration for the book! View a live performance of Ally Celebrates Pajamas, and step inside set designs that capture pages from the book for an interactive experience. Enjoy a sing-a-long and story time session and participate in a Colouring Pajama Design Contest for a chance to win prizes. Receive a digital copy of Ally Loves Pajamas, some fun book swag, and a chance to preorder a signed hardcover edition.
Why is it important that guests be vetted for proof of vaccination?
โAs event organizers, we follow all government Covid Health Regulation to create a safe environment for people to enjoy the holidays,โ explains Jessica Haggeman,ย Digital Production/Event Manager (Event Lead). โAll vendors, staff, volunteers, and Festival visitors must be fully vaccinated with a Canadian Government approved vaccine, or document confirming exemption. Masks must be worn during the show, unless eating or drinking. Social distancing is required, and disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer will be provided.โ
More information, including workshop, entertainment and event ticket details for the Mississauga Festival of Trees is available on CreativeHub 1352’s website, https://www.creativehub1352.ca/festival-of-trees.
