NEDERLAND - The holiday spirit was in full swing at the Nederland Community Center over the weekend of December 7 and 8, 2024. The entire second floor of the center was brimming with cheer as the rooms and even the hallways were filled with up to 60 local vendors. 

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, the Town of Nederland’s 2024 Holiday Mountain Market delivered joy and good tidings, in addition to offering lovingly crafted goods. All that which is baked, brewed, crocheted, knitted, sewn, carved, woven, painted, sculpted, photographed, and framed, was available for townfolk and visitors alike to browse. 

Nederland’s Public Engagement Manager, Peter Cacek, organized the event and, along with the dedicated work of volunteers and community center staff, made the entire weekend a memorable success. 

Cacek mentioned to The Mountain-Ear how much thought had gone into this year’s layout in order to ensure a comfortable experience for both the customers and the vendors.

The “beer hall” in the Center’s large community room was expanded from last year, adding more room for visitors to enjoy the musical performances. Santa and Mrs. Claus had more space for photos with kids of all ages, and room for vendor tables was added to the main hallway. 

The sheer variety of vendors made holiday gift shopping a breeze, as there were amazing one-of-a-kind options around every corner. From lovingly hand-crafted wood carvings, each one unique to the buyer, to lovely leather-bound journals, each with its own personal touches, the Holiday Mountain Market truly had everything.  

If you were in need of some tantalizing toffee, or a cheesecake for cheat day, or maybe some sumptuous sourdough, or some zestful za’atar, you could find it at the market. 

If you were looking for healthy supplements, or for beauty and skin care products, for perfumes, for jewelry, or for custom clothes; if you wanted a Christmas ornament featuring local wildlife, or colorful streaks put in your hair, or maybe a new scarf, or even an adorable crocheted walrus, you could find it there.  

In addition to the cornucopia of local artists and artisans, crafters and creators, there were also many local organizations with booths selling goods for a worthy cause. 

The Nederland Food Pantry raised funds by selling custom winter hats made by a local knitting group; the Nederland Community Library Foundation sold book bundles; and Nederland Elementary, Middle-Senior High, and TEENS, Inc. were all represented. So was the NMSHS Lady Panthers Basketball Team, who sold delicious baked goods.

As customers shopped from booth to booth, the sounds of the live performances taking place in the community room could be heard. 

The NMSHS Loquations sang holiday classics to rouse the crowd. Evan Cantor’s voice and acoustic guitar warmed the halls. Mountain Movers wowed event-goers with their dance recital on Saturday. 

On Sunday, The Gael 2 delivered their authentic folk sound, Burt Rashbaum sat at the electric piano and sang contemporary classics, and the Calvary Chapel Choir brought it all home with a continuation of the caroling they had provided at the Town’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony. 

Also in the back of the community room, guests could sit, relax, and watch the performances while enjoying delicious breakfast burritos or tamales from Bright Heart Catering, and also a glass of wine from  Augustina’s Winery, or a tasty brew from Knotted Root or Very Nice Brewing Company. 

A very special thanks to Cacek, the Town of Nederland, and the Nederland Community Center for organizing, managing, and fostering the perfect atmosphere to showcase local talent. Thanks also to all the volunteers, performers, vendors, and shoppers who carried the holiday spirit all through the weekend and further still.