Christmas music sets the mood to shop and festive decorations are everywhere.
The 21st annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Show got underway today at the Barrie Molson Centre.
About 8,000 people from the Barrie area and beyond are expected to shop for that special item or unique gift.
"This is sort of the start of the Christmas season and people are here to buy. You can watch people going out the door and everybody's got a bag," said Barbara Rose, managing producer of the show.
Rose and her partner Joanne Gilbert have been producing the craft show since day one through their company Area Productions Inc.
About 140 Ontario exhbitors are there with mostly Christmas themed crafts.
It has become a tradition for Laura Ballett to book the day off and come with her mom.
Ballet likes anything with snowmen, sparkles and lights as she displays her purchases.
"Snowman for the front lawn, some fudge,, some earings, a "Family Rules" sign and chocolate.
I just like Christmassy things so I try to find things to put in my house," said Ballet.
Christmas shopping is made easy and there are always long line-ups to get in.
The weather will be a little more in keeping with Christmas this weekend.
It's a chance to buy something handcrafted by a seller.
"You get to talk to the person that's actually made the product you buy as opposed to a manufactured item from Wal Mart or something like that," said Rose.
The Arts and Crafts Show is open until 8 p.m. tonight.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
