Between 900 and 1,000 people shopped the Leader Holiday Market on Nov. 15 at Herculaneum High School.
Katelyn Mary Skaggs, Leader digital marketing manager, said she was grateful for the community’s turnout.
“The event was phenomenal,” she said. “We really want to thank the Dunklin School District for helping us have a gorgeous space to make it happen, and we want to thank everyone in the community for coming out and taking part, and supporting small local crafters.”
Fifty-seven vendors participated in the market this year and provided a unique variety of handmade items, some of which sold out by the end of the event.
“We had bakers who had bread and cookies, honey, candles, soaps, make your own ornaments, handmade bags, wreaths, wood decor and little woodland creatures,” Skaggs said.
She said she bought many items at the event like a loaf of sourdough bread, honey as well as some stocking stuffers for the holiday season.
“We had a little bit of everything,” she said. “I’m sorry if you weren’t there because you missed out.”
Skaggs said Santa arrived from the North Pole and visited with more than 100 kids at the market this year, telling him their holiday wish lists and posing for photos taken by Leader photographer Patty Meyer.
Santa not only visited with children at the market, but with attendees of all ages.
Two patrons who had their first photos taken with Santa were a pregnant woman posing for her unborn child’s “first” photo with Santa as well as a 91-year-old woman who had never had a picture taken with him.
The free photos taken will be emailed to families and participants.
During the event, the Herculaneum High School jazz band performed in the gymnasium and outside.
The Hangry Hub food truck was set up in the parking lot.
Skaggs said the Leader plans to bring the event back next year.
“We’re excited to bring this event back,” she said. “We’re so grateful and thankful for the community supporting us, and (we’ll) see you next year.”