Toledo’s first holiday market, held weekend before last, attracted large crowds and was successful for the vendors who filled the 15 portable huts that were set up in Levis Square.

The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, headed by Commissioner Karen Ranney Wolkins, was tasked with taking over the annual tree-lighting event from ProMedica. Ms. Ranney Wolkins came up with the International Holiday Market idea based on her experience visiting the Christkindlmarket in Chicago.

It was a stroke of genius and it paid off for Toledo.

Both events drew many people, especially families with children. Both events were well managed, with free popcorn and hot chocolate and outstanding live entertainment. Ms. Ranney Wolkins estimated the attendance at about 3,000 people.

Some of the vendors so

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