By Jayd Hovey
The annual “A Very Merry Christmas Market” was held at Pierce Church in Upland on Saturday.
This was the market’s first year being held at Pierce Church. It was moved from its original location due to an increase in vendors.
The market featured a wide variety of vendors, offering items such as candles, crafts and baked goods.
A food truck and specialty drink carts were also in attendance.
Marion local Nikita Tays, a vendor at the event, was new to A Very Merry Christmas Market, but she said she has participated in markets at Pierce Church in the past. Tays is part of the Crazy Craft Ladies of Marion, a mother-daughter pair that creates whimsical holiday-themed art pieces.
Tays said that Crazy Craft Ladies of Marion has been a part of other festivals, such as the Atlanta New Earth Festival and the Strawberry Festival in Kokomo.
Tays said that she appreciates how this market brings people together and facilitates the sharing of ideas and experiences. She said that she enjoys seeing the same faces at different events and building a small following.
Another vendor at the event, Caryl Aukerman, sells Norwex and Pampered Chef items. It was her first time at the event, as well, although she had previously participated in other similar events.
“It’s an opportunity for people to see all the small businesses in their area,” Aukerman said
Small business owner, Addy Huff, runs “A Steamy Chapter,” a specialty iced coffee cart. Huff built the cart around her love for romance books and coffee.
“I think, with how the world is right now, it’s very important to bring people together and show that there’s still community and there’s still kindness,” Huff said.
Eva Schmitz 
Ellie Rinck