George Henry, Gleaner WriterSPALDINGS, Clarendon:
GRAND MARKET Day activities in and around Spaldings start from as early as 4:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve. It is a day that vendors, especially those who trade in Yuletide goodies and children's items, love with a passion.
In the past two years, vendors, particularly those who sell dry goods, can be seen lining the streets of that rural township with their wares to catch the eyes of eager shoppers.
Hundreds of residents from adjoining areas and other parishes swarm the Clarendon town to do last-minute shopping, and to just enjoy the thrill of being in the huge crowd.
This normally results in a cluttering of the many business places and a pile-up of traffic into the early hours of Christmas morning. Huge purchases of the best of most things, especially foodstuff, are normally made.
Children, who have a special love for the trappings of Christmas, are particularly excited about the activities, because most of the time they are the ones who generally benefit.
Little children are given a temporary reprieve as parents relax the reins, and decide not to be too strict with children in the party-like atmosphere.
This Gleaner correspondent has spotted children of all ages even consuming alcoholic beverages! Some became drunk, but often, you can hear parents remark, "Leave them, man, it's Christmas; let them enjoy themselves." The revelry includes dancing in various places that would usually be off limits.
However, outside of all that, grand market in Spaldings has been jam-packed, with the exciting night session being the final icing on the cake. Late-evening shoppers cram the supermarkets, shops, bars, among other places, buying out the stores or window shopping.
Grand market in this rural community is a 'can't-miss affair' for those who are from the area because it never fails to live up to its billing of great fun and heady joy.
