South Whidbey feels holiday spirit as markets approach

In what has been a hectic fall season with a divisive presidential election, the approaching holiday season may have slipped from many people’s minds.

But despite the months of mud-slinging leading up to the year’s end, South Whidbey can exhale and look forward to a festive and friendly holiday season littered with holiday markets to buy loved ones unique and quirky gifts.

With so many markets to choose from, here’s a primer of where to find holiday gifts to enjoy and spread the holiday cheer.

Clinton Holiday Bazaar

The ferry town is welcoming back the annual market held at Clinton Community Hall and hosted by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. Visitors can scan the hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 to soak in the holiday cheer by buying locally-crafted gifts.

The bazaar is loaded with local vendors, most of whom call Clinton home, who will sell unique items that are ideal stocking stuffers. Santa will be in attendance to take free photos with kids, and parents are welcomed to take photos on their own cameras or have organizers capture the moment for them.

“We want it to be fun and festive,” Clinton Chamber of Commerce Vice President Janae Cameron said. “Every year we try to give it a small town bazaar feel, where you can bring the kids, talk to neighbors and support local vendors.”

Hot chocolate and Christmas music will warm visitors as they walk into the hall. The room will be loaded with vendors as organizers filled all 20 vendor slots, the most of any Clinton Holiday Bazaar in the past. Gifts ranging from locally-crafted jewelry to products made from alpaca fur to hand-carved wooden pens will be on show from Whidbey-based vendors. There will also be a raffle for two “shop Clinton” baskets, which are stocked with gifts from Clinton Chamber of Commerce members to encourage visitors to shop locally. Raffle tickets cost $1.

“The biggest part about this is promoting local shopping, keeping the community together and putting money back in our community,” Stephanie Cook, president of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce said. “Shopping locally adds to the Christmas spirit.”

Holiday Market in Bayview

After a month without the Bayview Farmers Market, the town is once again marked by the colorful flags that signal Saturday shopping, albeit with a Christmas twist and under the Bayview Hall roof. The first holiday market was held last Saturday, but three remain for shoppers to sift through fresh produce, goods and art. The remaining markets are slated for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 and 17.

Since it’s hosted by those at Bayview Farmers Market, many of the goods are edible treats that bring the holiday cheer to visitors’ stomachs. Organizers are also attempting to bring the holiday spirit to youth in need of warm clothing by taking donations for new and lightly used coats, hats and gloves. Donations go to Island County’s Kids First program.

Bayview Farm and Garden Holiday Open House

The greenhouse at Bayview Farm and Garden will be turned into a winter wonderland during normal operating hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. While winter plants will be heavily featured at the open house, the greenhouse will be filled with more than gifts for South Whidbey gardens. Holiday decor and gifts will also be available, as well as activities such as face painting, wreath making and a Santa appearance.

Staying true to its model of providing greenery for South Whidbey, Bayview Farm and Garden will also have live and cut Christmas trees for visitors to choose from.

Country Christmas at the Fair

The Coffman building at the fairgrounds is another place offering a holiday boutique atmosphere. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and Dec. 4, the space will be filled with local vendors who will sell a blend of goods, from antiques to collectibles to handmade gifts. According to organizers, the fair offers shoppers “a chance to find special gifts that you couldn’t find in a catalogue.”

Handmade Holiday Market

Hosted by the South Whidbey Elementary School PTA, the fourth annual holiday market at the Elementary School gym features art and gifts from Whidbey-area artists Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be free activities for kids. Proceeds will help raise money for the school.

Global Giving Market

Hosted by Langley United Methodist Church from 10:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 4 in Fellowship Hall, the Global Giving market features fair trade merchandise and international crafts. The market is part of the Global Giving community, which is a crowdfunding organization that connects nonprofits, donors and companies across the world to donate to countries in need. Visitors can donate to local and international organizations at the market.