Monday, December 7, 2015

Holiday handmade gift market planners and vendors hoping to make new venue permanent

By Anna Tuckett
hardnewscafe.usu.edu/?p=11137

After 12 years at The Bullen Center at Utah State University, a market specializing in handmade gifts for the holidays has been forced to temporarily change its venue to the Natural Philosophy building, where planners and vendors hope it will stay.

On Dec. 11 and 12 the Winter Gift Market will celebrate its 13th year as “Cache Valley’s premier artisan market for the holidays” but for the first time it will move due to scheduling conflicts.

The market’s event planner, Joy Brisighella, said vendors are excited for the change because mainly roadside parking at the old downtown venue, located off of Main Street, made setting up and taking down booths difficult.

“It was a nightmare to take down my booth,” said Reggie Jennings, who sells handmade wooden products at the market. “It is probably the hardest event I do.”

The Natural Philosophy building, located on Church Street, has a parking lot within 20 feet of its east entrance.

“The big parking lot that’s just outside, it can’t be beat,” Brisighella said.

The larger size of the new venue will allow the market to host 39 vendors this year, as opposed to its usual 35. As a result of wider walkways customers will be able to bring strollers, which have been limited in the past.

Brisighella said she thinks people will like the flow of the new venue’s layout.

Nathan Huntzinger, who sells honey and beeswax products with his brothers at the market, said he hopes the accessibility of the new building will bring in more customers.

The Natural Philosophy building is currently posted for sale.

“I might be sad if whoever buys it doesn’t turn it into an event center,” Brisighella said. “Because I would consider booking it next year.”

The market is part of the downtown Gallery Walk, a walking art gallery where Logan businesses feature the work of local artists, and includes live music and free admission. More information available on the Winter Gift Market’s Facebook page.

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