The seventh annual holiday market at the fifth street marina has opened for the season and will showcase a variety of handmade goods and gifts each Sunday until Dec. 22.
Event coordinator Beth Christian said she wants to encourage locals to shop small.
“We try to keep it really homemade,” she said. “We don’t want a corporate thing.”
The market kicked off its first day on Sunday, Nov. 3.
Coming from Harlem was Karen Tercero, who said she visits the market every year.
“I enjoy coming down to the marina,” she said on Sunday. “I like seeing the new arts and crafts and the apples and the homemade stuff.”
Inside the market
Appearances from musicians and dancers are expected at the market in the coming weeks, along with multiple visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The event’s canine mascot, Nosey Rosie the River Dog, will be roaming the area to greet shoppers.
“People love her, people come to see her,” said Christian.
Tents set up along the marina on Sunday featured the local artisans’ homemade soaps and candles, Christmas tree ornaments, wreaths and home goods galore.
One vendor was Pam Brown who has turned her woodworking hobby into a side business.
“I just love grabbing little things and scrap pieces…I just love creating things,” she said.
Brown, who is a veteran, said that her favorite pieces she’s made are wooden American flags.
“The flags are near and dear in my heart,” she said.
Brown’s work can be found on Facebook Marketplace under the name of her business partner, Susan Smith.
Christian said that a playground is available on-site for children, although it is currently unusable due to trees that were downed after Hurricane Helene.
A permanent gift shop selling local honey products, snacks and trinkets is also located at the site of the market and is open every day during the week.
Information for visitors, vendors
The event will continue every Sunday in November and will continue until Dec. 22. This event runs from noon to 4 p.m. There is a $20 fee for vendors, who can sign up for a spot at the market by sending an email to themarina@gmail.com
