Between 500 and 600 shoppers attended the Leader Holiday Market on Nov. 16 at Festus Elementary School.
Katelyn Mary Skaggs, Leader digital marketing manager, said she was elated with the turnout. The event showcased local crafters and small businesses.
“It was excellent, thanks to our awesome small, local businesses that came out and sold a variety of wonderful things and to the shoppers who patronized the local vendors,” she said. “We’re very appreciative to Festus Elementary for giving us space for this wonderful event.”
Nearly 50 vendors participated in the market with a variety of items from wreaths to locally made soaps, candles and freeze-dried candy, Skaggs said.
“Shoppers definitely were able to mark some gifts off their shopping lists,” she said.
Skaggs said she bought some items as gifts, as well as some permanent jewelry, Christmas decor and lavender spray for herself.
“The variety was awesome,” she said. “There truly was something for everyone. I loved seeing readers and the community show support to those who don’t have a brick-and-mortar store.”
Skaggs said Santa Claus arrived from the North Pole and added some Christmas magic to the event, visiting with children and adults, getting their holiday wish lists and posing for photos. Kenzie Lynne Photography took photos of children with Santa and is working on emailing those to their families, she said.
Patrick Baker of String Sorcery Guitar School in Festus played music in the morning, and La Pachanga Mexican Restaurant’s food truck sold food in the parking lot.
Skaggs said the Leader plans to hold another Holiday Market next year.
“We used to do a similar holiday market/bazaar event years ago,” she said. “We stopped them for a while, and we brought them back.”