The ghosties and ghoulies are gearing up for a howling good time on trick or treat night Oct. 31. But, nearly as scary for some—and just around the corner—is the giddily dreaded Holiday Shopping Season.
This year in Grant County, local folks are planning to take away some of the anxiety of shopping by kicking off the season in a big way as they offer opportunities for local buying and selling.
Starting on Nov. 2, Mistletoe Market is being held throughout the County in any and all local businesses. Nov. 9 is the annual Shoppers Showcase hosted by the Grant County Homemakers and Nov. 15 and 16. Saint Williams Church is hosting their first ever Craft Fair.
This is good not only for the sellers, but the community as a whole. According to Jamie Baker, Executive Director Grant County Chamber/Economic Development/Tourism, “every dollar that is spent in the local community is turned over at least seven times.”
By this, she explains that “every dollar spent in the local community turns over multiple times – the merchant uses the dollars they make to pay their utility bills, property taxes, etc. which in turn pays salaries of local workers.”
In turn, these dollars are spent “to purchase goods from local stores or food from groceries or restaurants which helps support other workers. These dollars in turn support local organizations such as Kiwanis or Relay For Life. Additionally, local merchants donate to local charities and causes which, in turn, support local families. In this way, “every dollar spent in a local community matters.”
Mistletoe Market: Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Businesses Countywide.
Baker said she was looking for a way to help local businesses attract new business as well as generate some interest for holiday season. While some businesses were already planning different events in November, she said she thought “if we could create a one day event that any and all businesses could participate in and we gave it a name, then we could market and promote it” as one big, countywide sale. Et voila! Mistletoe Market was born.
This first Mistletoe Market will be held 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2. Several businesses across the county in different cities are offering special deals or discounts that day. The Grant County Tourism/Chamber and Economic Development office is helping promote the event by paying for media ads.
Baker said “The cost to the local businesses was only a phone call to our office to let us know they wanted to be included. I’m extremely pleased with the response and believe it can be grown to truly include businesses from Crittenden to Corinth so it can become a county-wide event.”
With the positive response, Baker said she is considering another event in the spring “maybe a Spring Fling.” If successful, the Mistletoe Market could become a staple in Grant County’s Holiday Shopping Season.
With numerous small boutique and specialty businesses here in the County, Baker said it’s a “chance to spend dollars at home. These dollars are so important to our small businesses” She said “every dollar that is spent in the local community is turned over at least seven times.”
For more information about Mistletoe Market or Spring Fling, call (859) 824-3322.
Shoppers Showcase: Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kentucky Farm Bureau Building, 486 Helton Road, Williamstown.
Each year, the Grant County Homemakers host their Shoppers Showcase. Essentially a fundraiser for the homemakers; monies from booth rental and concession sales are used to fund their annual scholarships for local youth. Just as important, though is giving local crafters a place to sell their items. Each year the Showcase is provided as an opportunity to the community to bring crafters and shoppers together.
Beginning back in 2010, the Showcase has been held continuously except for Covid in 2020. Open to the public, anyone can set up a booth on a “first requested, first granted” basis. Those with homemade arts and crafts can set up to two tables, however consultants such as Mary Kay or Tupperware can only set up one table.
For non-homemaker members, the cost per table is $10. As a benefit of being a Grant County Homemaker, the first table is free for members, however if they request a second, the cost is $10. There are no late fees, however capacity is limited and they are running out of available space quickly.
For information and to request a table, contact the Grant County Extension Office for a vendor packet at (859) 824-3355.
Saint William Church Craft Fair: Nov. 15, noon to 8 p.m., Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Williams, 6 Church Drive, Williamstown.
For the first time, St. Williams Church is hosting a Craft Fair as a fundraiser. Normally, their annual Lenten Fish Fry is their biggest drive. However they were unable to have the fish fry and developed the Craft Fair to make up the difference. Funds from the booth and concessions sales will be used to help the upkeep of the Church, to help the local community and parishioners as well.
Anyone can set up a booth. For both days, crafters can set up a booth for $40. Items can be left securely overnight and electric is provided.
For information and to secure a booth, call (859) 824-538 and leave a message or email [email protected]
As Baker says we all should “shop local, eat local, stay local and play local!” What better way to celebrate the Holiday Season than keeping it local?
