SALEM — After a hiatus in 2020, the fourth annual Holiday Marketplace is coming back this month with handmade items from 30 North Shore vendors.
As the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions lessened, Lynn resident Matt Dorman, founder of the Holiday Marketplace, decided to bring back the event this holiday season. He was concerned and motivated by the reports about global supply-chain issues that might affect this year’s holiday shopping.
“The Marketplace is a great way to kick off the holiday season and show the pride we have for our local businesses and artists, many of whom are friends, family, and neighbors,” Dorman said. “At the end of the day, what we’re offering is a way to purchase gifts directly from people born and raised on the North Shore.”
The event will take place on Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pickering Wharf inside two local restaurants: Finz Seafood and Grill, located at 86 Wharf St., and Sea Level Oyster Bar, located at 94 Wharf St.
Shoppers will be able to browse through and purchase fiber home decor from Amy Johnson and Samantha Godin of S&A Engineered Fiber Art; gourmet sauces from Wickedly Wild; Christmas mugs and other stoneware from Marina Pottery; original palette wood designs from family craft business Like Father Like Daughter; glass and porcelain ornaments from It’s a Sure C-thing; hand-decorated sweet treats from Harbor View Cookies; floral and seasonal decor from Four Seasons Designs; and shawls, beanies and scarves from ADC Knitting and Crochet, to name a few.
While guests shop, they can purchase seasonal cocktails, local brews, soft drinks, and other refreshments offered by Finz and Sea Level restaurants. George Carey, owner and founder of both restaurants, said he hopes to see more initiatives like the Holiday Marketplace happening around Salem.
“We’re pleased we can support so many small businesses and artisans ahead of the holidays,” said Carey, a longtime resident of Salem. “With so many of us trying to bounce back from last year’s lockdown, a great way to help our own community thrive is to stay local and shop right here in Salem and in other communities throughout the North Shore.”
The restaurants will be following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for COVID-19 safety and masks and sanitizer stations will be available on site.
