COLUMBIA, S.C. — With the holiday season in full swing, many people are shopping for the holidays. The Junior League of Columbia is hosting its annual Christmas Market, where hundreds of people are hoping to find the perfect gift.
This is the 37th year of the festive market, with 32 new vendors being showcased.
“So, we have a couple of stores that just opened this past year in the city of Columbia that are here, and they're looking to get the word out, but we also have folks that are in from neighboring states even as far as Nevada and California that came over here,” Jackie Bonilla, a Junior League member and co-chair for the event, said.
The Holiday Market showcases local businesses. Event organizers said it has become a family tradition for many in the Midlands. While it’s great for family time, the event has also helped kick-start full-time businesses.
“We do have a local merchant here full of stacks, and last year was her first; it was her side business that she came to the holiday market last year. And after she did the Holiday Market, she realized that she could do Cola Stacks full time,” Madison Papajohn, another co-chair, said.
Cola Stacks recently went full time because of the experience at the market. Payton Hollingsworth owns the jewelry business and said the community support at the event helped her take the leap of faith.
“Yes, that is exactly what went through my mind. I love the adrenaline of meeting all the new people and just as having your products out there and explaining how company and just getting to know the Columbia people,” Hollingsworth said.
Sawyer Reed is entering the large showroom for the first time with a friend, Lizzy King, who said she’s been coming since college in 2005. Reed said she had to make several laps before grabbing what she wanted.
“Some funny napkins and shirts and ornaments and Christmas decor and like to make really good yummy dip for Christmas parties,” Reed said.
She said she loves this market because she can focus on spending with small businesses.
“I'm really big in supporting small and shopping local and I'd rather put my money in the community where they turn around and put their money in their community,” she said.
If you missed Saturday, don’t worry. Santa will be at the market Sunday from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.