2023 Alaska Vintage Holly Holiday Market and Food Truck Fest draws large turnout

PALMER — The 2023 Alaska Vintage Holly Holiday Market and Food Truck Fest drew a large number of local shoppers during the first weekend of operation Friday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Nov. 19.

This holiday themed marketplace is an opportunity for visitors to find unique gifts for their family and friends.

Over 180 Alaskan vendors are participating in this year's event. There's also a food truck festival featuring an array of local food trucks during both weekends.

Local vendors offer a variety of goods for two weekends at the Raven Hall and Hoskins Building within the Alaska State Fairgrounds. Items range from handcrafted clothing and accessories to art pieces and home decor.

Patrice Francis was helping operate her daughter Liz Huffman's booth representing her small business Luci Mae's gourmet bakery. Francis said that there's a little bit of everything available at this annual market.

"I think it's really a nice market. It has a lot of good choices," Francis said.

Those visiting the Luci Mae's booth could sample free dessert items and purchase a variety of baked goods. Patrice said all the pies, cookies, breads, and other food items are handmade from scratch. She said the quality speaks for itself with many customers praising the tasty treats.

"Anybody who's had the cookies says they're amazing," Patrice said.

Francis said that she's visiting from Ohio to help Huffman with this event. She said her daughter was busy baking up a storm back at her bakery in Chugiak.

"It gets busier every year," Francis said.

Patrice said that she's thrilled to know how much her daughter's business has grown over the years.

"I'm very, very proud of her and her husband (Eric)," Francis said. "It's a family affair."

Matanuska Pens owners Jamie and Dave Nelson operated a booth decorated as Whoville from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," featuring special holiday themed items in addition to their variety of unique pens. Jamie said they really enjoy participating in this annual event.

"It's been good for us," Jamie said.

Jamie said they first started participating in the Vintage Market in 2020. She said it's an enjoyable environment.

"It's been great to see everybody. It's a lot of fun and everybody helps each other out. It's just a great event," Jamie said.

Jamie said the event organizers organizers James and Ella Embree do a great job purring this annual holiday tradition.

"They put a lot of hard work into making it successful for the vendors," Jamie said.

The final weekend of the 2023 Alaska Vintage Holly Holiday Market and Food Truck Fest takes place 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 24; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, November 25; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday November 26.

General admission is $5 and children under 12 are admitted for free. Sundays are free to all visitors. Friday, Nov. 24 offers Early Bird weekend passes for $10 to attend from 12 to 2 p.m. beating the regular crowd shopping rush.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com