Local Vendors Shine at Algoma Makers Market Holiday Showcase
The annual Holiday Market, a celebration of local artisans and small businesses, drew hundreds of shoppers to The Machine Shop over the weekend. The Algoma Makers Market, under the theme 'Shop Small, Support Local', showcased a diverse range of homemade arts and crafts, winter clothing, toys, jewelry, and more.
Food vendors Hogan’s Homestead and Cornucopia Gourmet Popcorn were on hand to satisfy shoppers' cravings. Meaghan Kent of Meaghan Kent Photography offered family portraits, capturing memorable moments for visitors.
The public also enjoyed a free skate at The Rink at the Train Station, located beside The Machine Shop, from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday. Makayla Legge, the owner and operator of Algoma Makers Market, established the market in 2021 to foster community connections among small businesses after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Legge shared her journey with SooToday on Saturday, stating, 'I started with 15 vendors in a parking lot. This year, I received over 200 applications from vendors just for Christmas. Yesterday and today, we had 55 vendors, and today, we welcomed about 20 new vendors.'
She continued, 'In the summer, we set up every three weeks under The Rink, and our presence increases during holidays like Christmas, Mother's Day, and Easter. We participate in Rotaryfest during the summer. In the winter, we accommodate 55 vendors at The Machine Shop, while in the summer, I can host up to 100 vendors as we utilize The Rink and the grass beside it.'
Legge, a maker herself, sells clothing for babies and toddlers through her business, Little Sunflowers & Co. As a former nurse who now works as an event manager at The Machine Shop, she was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit and the high demand for Christmas gifts at the two-day market event.
'It's an excellent opportunity for vendors to sell their creations,' Legge concluded.
