2023 Alaska Vintage Holly Holiday Market and Food Truck Fest returning to Alaska State Fairgrounds

PALMER — The annual Alaska Vintage Holly Holiday Market and Food Truck Fest starts this weekend.

This will be an opportunity for local shoppers to find unique gifts for their family and friends at the Raven Hall and Hoskins Building within the Alaska State Fairgrounds.

Event organizers James and Ella Embree are excited to keep offering this cherished community tradition that promotes shopping local instead of relying on big box stores for their holiday shopping.

"We want to give a great show for our community to come out and find cool and unique products that are made locally and meet the people that are actually making the products. It's just a much different shopping experience then going to Walmart or going to Target," James said.

Over 180 vendors Alaskan consisting of small business owners, up-cyclers, designers, and vintage collectors will be onsite selling their various ware for two weekends, starting Friday, Nov. 17.

"It's amazing. The vendors are what it's all about really. We get a lot of applications from potential vendors and we're able to select the best of the best vendors and the most creative people who are making the most interesting products. So our show is a pretty cool show with a lot of really creative people that are entrepreneurs who are running these small businesses to make really neat products," James said. "There's so many great vendors so that's why half the vendors will leave after the first weekend and then another group will come in so that we can fit 50 percent more vendors into the show."

There will also be a food truck festival featuring an array of local food trucks during both weekends.

Additionally, visitors will be able to meet Santa, pet reindeer, and listen to live music.

James said they've had a lot of positive feedback from the community over the years.

"Well people love it. You know the vendors really like being at the show. It's well attended by the community. Many people in the community look forward to it. For some, it's the highlight of their year, especially for their holiday shopping," James said.

This two weekend event runs from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 17; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, November 18; 10am-4pm Sunday, November 19; 2pm-7pm Friday, November 24; 10am-6pm Saturday, November 25; 10am-4pm Sunday November 26.

General admission is $5 and children under 12 are admitted for free. Sundays are free to all visitors. Friday Nov. 17 and Friday Nov. 24 offer Early Bird weekend passes for $10 to attend from 12 to 2 p.m. beating the regular crowd shopping rush.

For more information, alaskavintagemarkets.com.

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