Still not done with your holiday shopping? Well, before you make that trek to the mall and fight the crowd, consider buying your friends and family locally made items this season, giving gifts that benefit the economy, the community and the environment.
From at 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 19, fresh52 Artisans & Farmers Market will show Las Vegans how it can ‘buy local’ at its inaugural Holiday Fest – A Handmade Shopping Event, showcasing hundreds of handmade gift ideas created by local artisans, as well as homemade holiday food favorites.
Here’s just a sample of the many handmade items that will be available:
- Holiday wreaths from Bloomin’ Desert Herb Farm
- Holiday gift packs from Bistro Blends gourmet aged vinegars and olive oils
- Gift baskets for your pooch – from The Culinary K9 (handmade dog bakery) and The Good Dog Food Company
- Chef Mayra will be doing vegan holiday cooking demos with fresh local vegetables and product from fresh52 food artisans
- Handmade Yoga Accessories, all-natural ALIU soaps, several jewelry and craft vendors, and more!
Other attractions throughout the day will include:
- Kids and pet photos with Santa Claus
- Games and a children’s craft station with Santa’s elves
- Live Christmas tree patch
- Gift wrapping, live entertainment, and more!
“Buying from local artists helps small businesses grow to create a more unique economy and community – rather than shopping at a chain store or mall,” said Carrie Hogan, founder of fresh52. “Plus, the gifts have a lot more meaning and can be passed down through generations. Our elders used to knit, sew, grow and cook. And these arts need to be valued and passed down.”
“Buying local also reduces our carbon footprint, by not relying on mass production and global shipping – two major causes of air pollution. Even one small purchase can make a difference, for the environment and the economy,” added Hogan.
Launched in May 2010, fresh52 Farmers & Artisans Market features dozens of vendors each week at who sell organic, pesticide-free seasonal produce, freshly-baked goods, gourmet cooking oils, salsa, spices, sauces, nuts, handmade modern crafts and more. The market is located in Sansone Park Place at 9480 South Eastern Ave., in Las Vegas.
fresh52 is always accepting applications for new vendors, including farmers, artists, chefs, musicians, performing artists and non-profit organizations, with stall space starting at $35 per day. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available. For more information, visit www.fresh52.com.
