TALENTED creatives from around the Whitsundays are set to join forces to help residents find the perfect Christmas gift and support local makers.
The Proserpine Community Christmas Market will feature stallholders that are predominantly from the region and answer a call from the community to host a market in the town.
Market co-ordinator Tarnia Patton said the team previously put on a market in November when The Handmade Expo, which was due to head to town, was unable to go ahead.
“There are so many people wanting something in Proserpine and wanting it to be local,” Mrs Patton said.
After the success of the November instalment, calls began coming in for more events so a small group of volunteers decided to put on a Christmas market.
Mrs Patton said with COVID-19 forcing the cancellation of the annual Christmas Fair, carols and Santa visiting shopping centres, the market would be a way to spread some festive cheer.
“There’s heaps of family entertainment, there’s a jumping castle coming, Sky High Juggling, Whitsunday Rocks, gingerbread making for the kids and also kids’ yoga,” Mrs Patton said.
“It’s in a safe fenced off area so the kids can run and play and get food under shade.”
Mrs Patton said Proserpine often missed out on events but the Christmas Market would be an opportunity to bring small businesses, crafty people and community members together.
She has been amazed by the talent from Whitsunday creatives, who will occupy up to 95 per cent of the stalls at the event.
“Some of the things I have seen, I just shake my head, I have no idea how people can make the things that they make,” Mrs Patton said.
“If they come along and only sell $50, they’re (still) getting themselves out there.
“They’re getting their confidence up and we help and support them.”
More than 70 stalls have already been booked with a range of goods set to be sold, including hair bows and ribbons, homemade moisturising creams, candles, jewellery and woven baskets.
Food vendors and two coffee vans will also be taking part, and there will also be live music and a special visit from Santa around lunchtime.
Mrs Patton also runs her own business, BakeMyDay, and will sell her popular fudge on the day, which sold out in an hour and a half at the last market.
The market is entirely volunteer-run with proceeds from the day set to go to Animal Rescue Whitsunday as well as reinvested into the next instalment.
Mrs Patton said the plan was to select a different charity to support through each market.
The Proserpine Community Christmas Market is on Sunday, December 13, from 9am to 1pm at 69 Marathon Street, Proserpine. Entry is free.
Some outdoor sites are still available at the markets. To inquire or find out more information head to the Proserpine Community Christmas Market event page on Facebook.
Source: Whitsunday Times
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