The very first announcement of the very first Country & Christmas Fair at Assumburg Castle in Heemskerk.

Antique dealer Peter van der Horst and his wife Betty were completely fooled in 1998 because of their idea to host a Christmas event in late November. ‘At the end of November? In the open air and then even before St. Nicholas?” were the surprised and also somewhat pitying reactions. Nevertheless, the two pioneers persevered and organized their very first Country & Christmas Fair, then still at Assumburg Castle in Heemskerk. They still had something to learn in organizing. For example, what to do with all visitors’ cars? ‘Oh well, we’ll just park on the road and make it a one-way street,’ Peter solved any parking problem. The event became a success.