Chelsey St. Pierre – The Suburban LJI Reporter

Following last year’s relaunch, the annual DDO Fine Arts & Crafts Holiday Market was back again last week. Early holiday shoppers discovered authentic crafts and unique gifts from generations of dedicated artists and artisans while getting a feel for the holiday season to come in a jovial holiday atmosphere.

The Royal Canadian Legion set up a table at the fair and the sales of products and music was paused temporarily at 11 a.m. to honour Remembrance Day.

“We were thrilled by the support and feedback we received from crafters and patrons alike,” Patrick Charron, Managing Director of the Dollard Centre for the Arts, said.

Alia, from soon to open boulangerie Mira in Vaudreuil-Dorion, served an array of authentic German baked goods and coffee in the busy cafeteria section.

Brothers John and Jason were selling handmade wood kitchen accessories on behalf of their father who creates the products. “He carried on the tradition of his father and grandfather. This has been our dad’s hobby for 45 years, working out of the basement. It has become his retirement hobby,” they told The Suburban.

Watercolor artist Alice started a side business selling book marks, greeting cards and small illustrations. “It was my way to survive motherhood,” she said to The Suburban.

“Its a great time to buy unique gifts that you can’t find in a general store. If you haven’t been able to make it out this year, don’t worry, it will be back next year,” Dollard-des-Ormeaux mayor Alex Bottausci told The Suburban.