You can always tell when someone shopped at the last minute. Whether you approach the holidays with the bubbling exuberance of Buddy the Elf or are just a tad Grinchier, shopping early means one less thing on your mile long to-do list. This year, check off gifts for yourself and others all while enjoying live entertainment and delicious food offerings at the Lacey South Sound Chamber’s 2024 Holiday Market, formerly known as WinterFest.
The free, all-ages fun kicks off from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at North Thurston High School. There will be tastings, handcrafted goods and goodies, music and fun all under one (much warmer than outside) roof. Mark your calendar today and start prepping those naughty and nice lists.
Vendors, Music, Dancing, Shopping and Food Trucks Kick off the Holiday Market
Lacey South Sound Chamber Executive Director Blake Knoblauch says that this year’s Holiday Market is on track to be one of the biggest in a long time. There will be fresh new faces as well as returning fan favorites and, he promises, something for everyone.
Event Manager Cheryl Sparkuhl agrees. She explains that they’ve moved to a larger location to be able to host additional vendors as well as the addition of food trucks. There are still vendor spaces and business sponsorships available so reach out to events@laceysschamber.com to find out more. Contact the Chamber team by mid-October to be included in their marketing and promotional materials and get your name out to hundreds of potential new customers just in time for Santa’s arrival.
At the Lacey South Sound Chamber’s Holiday Market, It’s Easy to Make a List and Check it Twice
Sparkhul says that this year’s 50+ vendors will be joined by some amazing food options.
- Chaotic Eats, LLC is a veteran- and family-owned food truck which showcases corndogs, Hawaiian shave ice and fresh churros.
- Kawaii Donut House makes gorgeous (and delicious) mochi donuts and hand-crafted bubble tea.
- Ricos Elotes Nathaly is your home for the incomparable taste of Mexican street corn with all the trimmings as well as tangy sweet fruit cups.
- Breakthrough Hulihuli will be grilling the flavors of the islands, fresh and to order.
If Chaotic Eats, Ricos Elotes Nathaly and Breakthrough Hulihuli sound familiar, it’s because they all attended the ever-popular 2024 South Sound BBQ Festival in Lacey’s nearby Huntamer Park.
Entertainment includes something for everyone.
- Melodies in Motion is a multi-generational dance troupe dedicated to artistic expression, cultural exchange, and enriching experiences.
- Oly Square Dancing will twist and call and do-si-do away the afternoon.
- Fantasia Twirling Corps, under the leadership of the renowned Coach Judy, will show off their high-flying and acrobatic baton skills.
- North Thurston High School Jazz Band will be on hand with a selection of jazz and swing music so come ready to dance, sing and encourage local student musicians.
The Holiday Market Brings People Together to Shop, Sell, Savor and Celebrate the Holidays
The Holiday Market isn’t just fun for shoppers, it’s a gift for – and to – the city from its crafters, makers, musicians, performers and vendors. Marissa Braun, president of Melodies in Motion, says that they always enjoy attending the event. “We love to perform as a way to give back to the community. This will be our third year performing at the Holiday Market and it’s a great way to kick off the season.”
Coach Judy of Fantasia Twirling Corps agrees. “Our twirlers love to perform and support their community in local events, the hometown crowd is always excited to see the twirlers and cheer for them. It gives us an opportunity to showcase their talent and be involved in the community. The Holiday Market events are high energy, thematic and exceptionally fun.”
So bring friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and your hearty appetite and head to the 2024 Lacey South Sound Chamber Holiday Market. In between shopping for gifts, spices, gadgets, goodies and tasty treats you’ll be able to pause and enjoy music, dancing, donuts and food from around the world.
If you’re a crafty soul, business owner, or mom and pop shop, sign up to be part of the fun by selling your goodies to throngs of eager shoppers. Everyone deserves to have the best holiday they can, or at least a fun day celebrating the season…and donuts.
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