On Saturday, December 5th, the Duneland Chamber of Commerce brought the festivities inside for the Christmas installation of their European Market. For one day only the gymnasiums and hallways of Chesterton's Westchester Middle School were filled with local vendors and their holiday cheer.
Most of the vendors at the Duneland Chamber Mistletoe Market made their own wares or are sold products to help a loved one. Having one centralized location made not just a fun event, but a great opportunity for business marketing. “It brings a lot of community members out,” said Deanna Kasch, the European Market Manager for the Chamber. “It helps local businesses get more traffic, and it supports local artists.”
Vendor Vivi Lamb of Sprigati explained, "The way it really helps is being able to interact with customers directly. It gets us excited about our product and lets us work with the community. Things we really want.” She and her husband have been selling pasta sauce at the market for four months.
Connie of Connie’s Cake Truffles likewise thrives with the direct feedback of her customers. “I really enjoy making the truffles because I like seeing the faces of the people who eat them. Kids get excited for them. And the kids force me to get even more creative with what I do with my cake pops.”
Every booth was kept busy with curious patrons. Each had something different to offer: delicious snacks, organic soaps, even live mini shrimp in desk sized aquariums. “I didn’t plan on getting my Christmas shopping done here,” said Mary Lowell of Valparaiso. “But now I am set. There were so many beautiful things, I just had to.”
Cathy Huffman sewed clothes, aprons, and knick knacks for her children long before she made her boutique “Gramma’s Hugs & Stitches.” When she lost her job to the recession in 2008, she decided to make a new career out of an old passion. “The family just grows,” she explained. “It’s amazing to see the friendships you make from selling an apron. It is so rewarding.”
For most of the vendors, producing their wares is a creative outlet and a treasured hobby that they are sharing with the community. For all of the European Market Attendees, it is an experience we are grateful to be a part of.