New market to make holiday debut

If you’re on the lookout for a one-of-a-kind holiday gift, you’re in luck.

The inaugural Holiday Makers Market will be setting up shop from 11 am to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, at The Pines of Windermere, 3409 Maguire Road, Windermere. The event is free.

“The Holiday Makers Market is for local artists and makers to sell their wares to the community,” said Maria Murphy, market director. “The idea came about when I was speaking with some of my artist friends. They were looking for a venue close to the holidays (to sell their wares) and I plan events, so this was like a natural progression for me to begin the Holiday Makers Market.”

Murphy said she began planning for the event about six months ago. She chose to hold the market the Sunday after Thanksgiving, because the date she chose lines up with Shop Small weekend.

“‘Shop Small Saturday is (a day) to support local (business), so this is just an extension of (Shop Small Saturday) for the weekend,” Murphy said.

The Holiday Makers Market will feature more than 60 different local artists, crafters and vendors. Market-goers can search through a variety of handcrafted items — such as pottery, artwork, jewelry and other unique items — for that perfect holiday gift.

“(The market) will have artists that work in glass and pottery and acrylics, watercolor, wood-carving — the whole nine yards,” Murphy said. “They’re all very talented and so unique. … There’s such a unique blend of artists (that will be) there. There is definitely going to be something for everyone and some great opportunities to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.”

For those who need a break from shopping, the event also will feature food trucks, local craft beers served by Will’s Pub and live music playing throughout the day. The event also will feature “make-and-take” stations for the children.

“It’ll be a nice day to be out just having lunch on the lake and to enjoy some shopping,” Murphy said. “There are going to be some activities for kids. There’s some make-and-take workshops happening that the kids can participate in.”

Murphy added the Holiday Makers Market also will include a Young Makers show for aspiring artists younger than 18. These budding artists will be able to display their work for free.

Although this is the first year for the market, the community has already responded positively to the idea, Murphy said.

“So far, the reception for this market has been amazing within the community and with the makers,” she said. “I believe this will become an annual event.”