A festive holiday market brought members of the community together for shopping from local artisans, enjoying baked goods, and participating in raffles.
The Holiday Market brought Christmas spirit to Taylor Hall in Claremont on Nov. 15 with many vendors, face painting and a festive atmosphere.
The hosts and community of the annual Holiday Market celebrated its fourth year fundraising for the Claremont High School’s Grad Night. The event featured live music by The Swingin’ Doors and a performance by Claremont High School’s German Club.
Susan Kent, who helped organize the event, said the money raised for the event goes toward the general fund to help students who can’t afford the expenses of Grad Night to be able to attend.
The event also helps local artisans grow their businesses.
“It’s just a lot of people that have small, home-based businesses are able to come out and promote their business and sell,” Kent said. “It’s a very nominal fee to get a booth. We keep it really affordable for people.”
The Holiday Market has grown over the years.
“I think people really like it, they come out,” Kent said. “This is the biggest market that we’ve ever had, like, because we’re getting more vendors and more people.”
Kira Joy Williams, who attended the event as a vendor, said she loved that the event was so community-centered. Williams’ booth at the event consisted of handmade ceramic artwork and photography that she created.
Williams said these events are a great place to get people together.
“You can just see your neighbors and see what they’re making,” Williams said. “Or like if you’re just running into people, it’s like a great place to have community just come together.”
A customer who attended the event said she likes to come to these kinds of events to support vendors. Maggie Pinzon said it’s important to support businesses in the community.
The Holiday Market had vendors of all specialties such as handmade crafts, baked goods, jewelry and beauty products.
Pinzon said the Holiday Market “really puts you in the mood for the holidays and just kind of builds all this camaraderie.”
Pinzon said the event brings holiday cheer to the community.
“I think it just brings everybody together in the community,” Pinzon said. “It inspires those that are not part of the community to want to be part of it.”
