by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
Santa Market continues its 17-year tradition of offering holiday shoppers access to one of Oklahoma’s most robust two-day nonprofit craft shows. To give customers more time to prepare for Christmas, the free-admission Santa Market Craft Show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, November 20–21, at the Pavilion Building on the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds.
These November dates will create a vibrant, festive atmosphere, helping shoppers get into the holiday spirit early and giving them ample time to prepare for the holidays. The two-day showcase of one-of-a-kind, Christmas-themed creations benefits the Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma.
The first 500 visitors each day will receive free shopping bags, sponsored by local businesses. In addition to handmade items, vendors offer pet supplies, jewelry, home decor, and more. The Market also features free parking and a silent auction.
“We have enlisted many volunteers to organize this show all year,” co-founder Molly Nye said. “It is a true labor of love that helps all of us by taking positive action to combat Alzheimer’s Disease.”
In America, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that one in three older adults dies with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia, and 7.4 million are living with these diseases.
To encourage community participation, volunteers, donors, and supporters can call co-founder Joan Clarke at 405-314-1033 to donate items or services for the auction and the Alzheimer’s booth, strengthening community bonds and support for the cause.
As one of Oklahoma’s largest nonprofit arts and crafts shows, the festive shopping event expanded to two days in 2018 and features more than 190 carefully selected creative vendors. They offer a unique, diverse range of products, including handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, home decor, hand-painted ornaments, and fashion items.
Last year, the event raised $53,000 for Alzheimer’s research, and since its inception, it has raised an impressive $400,000, underscoring the community’s vital role in supporting this cause.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their children for free photos 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 will be there this year.
The Market’s selection includes hand-painted ornaments, festive wreaths, and handmade arts and crafts such as knitted scarves and unique pottery pieces. The event also offers boutique and holiday items, jewelry, children’s clothing, books, and food treats.
Joan Clarke, Molly, and Megan Nye started this event in 2010 after Joan’s husband passed away from Alzheimer’s, inspiring a massive community-driven effort to support a cause close to their hearts.
“Molly and I had been selling at craft shows for years, and we decided to organize our own event. We booked a small hotel room 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 wasn’t made lightly; it marked the start 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, given the personal experiences of Joan and Megan, each of whom lost their husband and father, respectively, to the terrible disease.
“These personal experiences drive our commitment to the cause and inspire us to make the Show a success each year,” Clarke said. “The growing number of vendors, attendees, and funds raised shows how much our community’s support matters in the fight against Alzheimer’s and makes participants feel their involvement is truly impactful.”
“Our excellent vendors make this show what it is each year. We are one big family; everyone helps promote and advertise the show 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. Three vendors have been with us for all 17 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.”
Many vendors donate products and gift certificates for the Alzheimer’s Association’s silent auction and booth, helping to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter, which provides support services, care options and education for families and caregivers and has offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
For vendor or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the organizers by email at [email protected] or visit their website at thesantamarket.org. See Santa Market updates on its Facebook page.
For more information, visit www.thesantamarket.org.
