Two Aldergrove teachers organize annual winter markets to fund an end-of-year celebration for the Grade 5 students that inevitably leave Shortreed Community Elementary. 

Brianna Parsons, a Grade 5 teacher, and Kindergarten teacher Stephanie Coghill wanted their students to have a fun send-off when they move on to middle school. 

"We go to the water park and get them lunch, snacks, and a swag bag as their farewell ceremony," Parsons said. 

As small business owners, both teachers had been to many markets before and wanted to bring it to their own school. 

"We are very passionate about it, and to be able to bring all local vendors into the school and celebrate as a community, it's pretty exciting," she added. 

Coghill said the market became busy not long after it opened. 

"It's nice to see a lot of familiar faces in the community. It was busy last year too, and we're excited to do it again," she commented. 

Shortreed Elementary in is hosting its 2nd annual holiday market today until 3pm

— Aldergrove Star (@AldergroveStar)

But there were new faces this year too. 

It was the first market for sisters Sophia, 13, and Sienna, 15, who were selling Sophia's crocheted animals. 

Sophia started the craft a couple years ago, and ended up making "too many plushies," she laughed. 

"They kept stacking up so we needed to do something," joked Sienna, who added she came to the market to support her sister.

"We're best friends, more of a sisterhood," Sophia shared. 

Her favourite part of the market was seeing kids' interest in her plushies. 

"I love seeing little kids come up happy."

Sophia intends on going to future markets too. 

This year's market raised $3,080 for the Grade 5s, just like last year which Parsons hoped for.

"We thank the community for all of the support," she added. 

Food and drink donations were made by Starbucks off 264 Street and Fresco.