Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
To give customers more time to prepare for Christmas, the free 16th Annual Santa Market Craft Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, November 21–22, in the Pavilion Building at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds.
These November dates will help create a vibrant and festive atmosphere, ensuring shoppers get into the holiday spirit early and have ample time to prepare for the Holidays.
The Market is Oklahoma City’s premier, free-admission, two-day showcase for one-of-a-kind, Christmas-themed creations that benefit the Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma.
“We work to organize this show all year,” co-founder Molly Nye said. “It is a true labor of love and helps all of us by doing something positive to help combat Alzheimer’s Disease.”
If anyone would like to get involved by volunteering, donating an item or service for the auction, or contributing an item for the Alzheimer’s booth, please call co-founder Joan Clarke at 405-314-1033.
As one of Oklahoma’s largest nonprofit arts and crafts shows, the festive shopping event features over 190 carefully selected, creative vendors offering a unique and diverse range of products. These include handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, home decor, hand-painted ornaments, and fashion items.
The first 1,000 visitors on Saturday will receive free shopping bags, sponsored by local businesses.
In addition to handmade items, vendors also offer pet items, jewelry, home decor, and more. The Market offers free parking, a silent auction, and more.
The event raised $43,000 last year for Alzheimer’s research. Since its inception up to this October, the Market has raised an impressive $350,000 for the cause.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their children to have free photos taken with Santa, Del Humphreys, a member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas. Visitors can also speak with Mrs. Claus, Linda Turner. Organizers say The Grinch himself will be there this year.
Shoppers can buy a wide range of Christmas-themed home décor. This includes hand-painted ornaments, festive wreaths, and homemade arts and crafts, such as knitted scarves and unique pottery pieces. Boutique and holiday items, jewelry, children’s clothes, books, and food treats are also available.
Joan Clarke, Molly, and Megan Nye started the event in 2010, after Joan’s husband passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2007. Their shared goal was to support the charity fighting one of America’s toughest diseases. They invite shoppers to join them in this meaningful cause, becoming part of the community that supports it.
“Molly and I had been selling items at craft shows for years, and we decided to organize our own event. We booked a small room in a hotel and started with 17 vendors,” Clarke said. “By the time our third year began, we realized how much work it takes to put on a quality show, so we decided to turn it into a fundraiser.” This decision was not made lightly, marking the beginning of our journey to create a successful event that not only brings joy to our community but also supports a cause close to our hearts.
Molly immediately suggested Alzheimer’s as the cause, knowing the personal experiences of Joan and Megan, who lost their husband and father, respectively, to the terrible disease.
“These personal experiences drive our commitment to the cause and inspire us to make Show successful each year,” Clarke said.
The growing number of vendors, attendees, and funds raised demonstrates the collective effort and the important role this event plays in our community and the fight against Alzheimer’s. Every dollar raised at the Market goes directly to the Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization, and contributes significantly to ongoing research and support for those affected by the disease.
Customer participation and support are essential, and all donations are tax-deductible. This allows attendees to be part of a meaningful cause and to see how their contributions impact Alzheimer’s research.
“Our customers’ involvement is not just appreciated, it’s crucial to the success of our event and the fight against Alzheimer’s,” Clarke said.
“Our excellent vendors make this show what it is each year. We are one big family; everyone helps promote the show, advertise, and find new vendors. They donate to our cause, both financially and with their products, even though it’s voluntary,” Clarke said. “They assist with setup, cleanup, and everything in between. We have three vendors who have been with us all 14 years.” Countless others have displayed for 5, 8, or even 10 years. One vendor called it ‘The Greatest Show on Earth,’ and it truly is.
Clarke says some vendors view the event as an opportunity to help their favorite charity receive as much support as possible through their craft and personal efforts.
By writing personal checks to the Alzheimer’s Association during the Santa Market, these vendors contribute to the cause. They also donate products and gift certificates for the Alzheimer’s auction and booth.
The Santa Market promotes the event each year at the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, held this year on November 1 in downtown OKC. Clarke and her family have participated every year since 2003.
Held annually in over 600 communities across the country, Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
National presenting sponsor Edward Jones has supported the walks for nine consecutive years. Biogen and Eisai are also national sponsors. Santa Market fielded a team for the walk.
For vendor or sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch with the organizers via email at [email protected] or visit their website at thesantamarket.org. Updates are on The Santa Market’s Facebook page.
Steve Eldridge, Senior News & Living, Oklahoma Veterans News Magazine and Nursing Times publisher, is once again a Diamond Sponsor. For more info, visit www.thesantamarket.org.
