Knights to host Christmas Market and Festival

By Sarah Shurge – The Knights of Columbus Notre Dame Council 3021 are preparing to host their biggest event of the year. The Wayne Open-Air Christmas Market and Festival is a three-day event that will be November 17th, 18th, and 19th from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Around 50 vendors will be selling handmade items, crafts, baked goods, etc. in a heated outdoor tent. There will be live entertainment all weekend long, including a local dance team, musicians, and a DJ playing Christmas music.
This is the third year the Knights of Columbus are hosting the event.
“Each year we try to make the market bigger and a little different. We try to improve and learn from past markets,” said Paul Sposite, Grand Knight of the Notre Dame Council. “We have something different for every day.”
The market and festival will be located behind the Notre Dame Hall at 3144 S Wayne Rd. The lot next door to the hall will be turned into Santa’s village. Santa and Mrs. Claus will attend and be available for free photos all weekend long.
Friday, November 17th, is Senior Citizens Day. This day will consist of free bingo, a trivia contest, and senior sing-along. Seniors will receive a discount in the tent for food and drink.
Seniors can enjoy a complimentary Cream Tea with scrumptious sweets catered by Victoria’s Tea Salon. You must be 55 years or older to participate in this Cream Tea and seating is limited to 24 per 30-minute time slot.
Walk-ins are welcome or you can RSVP online at: notredamehall.com/-wayne-open-air-christmas-market/
Saturday, November 18th, is Kids Day. This day will consist of kids crafting, kids’ bingo, and story time with hot cocoa and cookies with Mrs. Claus. The Grinch, Ghostbusters, and other characters will be at the event. Some vendors will offer give-aways for kids.
Sunday, November 19th, is Family Day. This day will consist of two different craft classes: cookie decorating or creating a glass snowman.
You can pre-register for these classes online or walk-ins are welcome.
Even though the event has designated days, anyone and everyone is welcome all weekend long.
“This is all about the community, families, and people coming out and having a good time in Downtown Wayne,” said Sposite. “This is the one time where kids can go see Santa and enjoy a whole day of fun that doesn’t cost the family any money.”
This year the Knights have added a row of concessions and Fun Food Express will be the food truck on scene.
Most of the event will be outdoors, so be sure to dress appropriately. “This is the premiere event that the Knights do. We’re extremely proud of it and it’s one of our shining moments,” said Sposite.
The Knights are still looking for volunteers for the event. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can contact Sposite at GK3021@mikofc.org.
For more information about the Knights of Columbus Notre Dame Council 3021 or upcoming events, visit notredamehall.com or call (734)722-6911. You can also find them on Facebook at “Knights of Columbus 3021 Notre Dame”.