Lifestyle_NovDec2023_Final _Online

Where whimsy is
remembered
Part toy store; part toy museum; part play area; part
factory. “It’s definitely unique,” says owner Isaac Elliott-
Fisher. The Village Toy Castle is all of those, and a place to
hang out and have fun.
Located in an old building that has served many purposes,
including inn and bank, it’s a destination for kids and
collectors of all ages. “The retail is an eclectic mix of products,
carefully curated with both nostalgic and current,”
says Elliott-Fisher. “The museum displays retro toys from
the ‘30s to the ‘90s. No matter when you grew up, you will
see stuff you grew up with.”
Try your hand at full-size pinball, arcade machines and
video games such as Nintendo, or slip down the slide of the
play castle which is like a jungle gym. “There is hands-on
interactive all over.”
Elliott-Fisher says his goal is to do Disney on a small
scale – the attention to detail, the interaction and playfulness.
But he didn’t set out to establish a play destination.
The popular culture filmmaker just wanted to find
knights and castles for his kids when he was shooting in
the UK for Henson. Finding none, he decided to make
them and has carried the idea to Ontario. “I had no intention
of getting into retail,” he says.
During the holiday season, he sets up his grandmother’s
collection of antique Santas throughout the store. The
bathroom is papered in reproduced pages from old Wish
Books, and he plans to use that theme for marketing.
More nostalgic motifs are seen in the museum displays.
Barbie, from 1959 to the ‘90s, figures prominently currently.
Retro candy is sold, and a movie popcorn machine
creates the smell and taste of good times.
“I want people to come, explore, remember and discover.
It’s a combination of exploration and nostalgic memories
of everybody’s childhoods. A child can come and discover
on their own,” Elliott-Fisher says.
THE VILLAGE TOY CASTLE
22 London Road, Brucefield
@VillageToyCastle on Facebook and Instagram
Market makes merry
“We celebrate community
and the best of London.”
Meet me at the Market is more than a slogan for many
who make it a weekly habit. Carol Sceli, business development
manager for the Market Western Fair District, says
she sees families and shoppers each weekend, meeting over
coffee, brunch or shopping. She reflects on two families
who regularly select food and gather around tables to spend
the time together. “You can enjoy time with family and
friends and buy the best fresh and local products,” says Sceli.
More than 100 vendors offer produce, meat, fish and
plant-based foods on the first floor, while upstairs local artisans
feature gift ideas from candles to clothing, furniture
to treats for furry friends, wellness products, vintage finds
and books. “It’s high quality, farm-fresh goods, and you
can engage with the artisans. It’s full of holiday cheer,”
says Sceli. “We decorate for a festive environment. Every
weekend there is something special.” You can hear local
choirs, find decorated cookies or kits to DIY.
The season kicks off November 24 when the Old East
Village Business Improvement Area (OEV BIA) and the
Market officially flip the switch on the lights at Queen’s
Park. Horse and carriage rides evoke a nostalgic atmosphere,
and a night market spotlights local crafts. “It’s
beautiful,” says Sceli. “The lights are custom-made for the
park. We celebrate community and the best of London.”
Every weekend showcases local produce, live music,
crafters and their products. “You can watch artisans at
work.” Local non-profits set up to show how they contribute
to the community.
She says they are proud to have been awarded Best in
London for more than 10 years.
THE MARKET,
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT
900 King Street
www.themarketwfd.com • 519-931-3615