A bear market
By Linda Turner Griepentrog
For the TODAY
When leaves start to fall and there’s a crunch under your feet, the focus soon turns to gift giving and holiday shopping.
Sure, it’s easy to go online, order something for someone and have it arrive a couple of days later. But that can seem so impersonal — just another click of the keyboard.
Shopping locally is becoming more and more popular and attendance at local holiday markets is burgeoning. Not only is it a way to get a handmade, personalized gift for someone, but it also helps support local artisans, from bakers to potters and quilters, plus the group sponsoring the event.
But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to purchase. So, we asked some vendors at the upcoming Gleneden Beach Holiday Market, taking place this Saturday, Nov. 23, to share their hints for market shopping.
Frank, a custom perfumer, suggests always bringing cash, as some vendors aren’t able to accept credit cards. In addition, this benefits the artist as there are no service fees to reduce their profit.
Shawna, a wreath maker and sourdough baker, advises always going with something handmade as it will be cherished for years to come and there’s often a story with it from the maker.
Melody, a soap maker, notes that bringing a reusable tote is handy for carrying items you purchase from multiple vendors. Many artisans do not provide bags, so a tote helps protect your items.
Linda, a bag maker, encourages people to pick up business cards from artists. If you don’t purchase an item you love at the show and “need some time to think about it,” you can contact the artist later once you make a decision. This is also a good way to have a gift personalized if needed.
The Gleneden Beach Holiday Market offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a five-foot-tall stuffed polar bear. This event raises money to support the Community Club activities throughout the year. With some fanfare, the winning ticket will be drawn at 3 pm.
That same market is also giving back to the community by holding a toy drive to support the Depoe Bay Fire Department’s Christmas Outreach program. Anyone donating a toy receives a free bear raffle ticket. New, unwrapped toys and clothing for ages up to 17 are welcomed for donation, as are gift cards and checks.
The Gleneden Beach Holiday Market runs from 10 am to 4 pm this Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Gleneden Beach Community Club, 110 Azalea Street.