On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, the Covered Wagon hosted the 7th Annual Pop-Up Holiday Fair, an event to highlight local artists and artisans created and organized by Heather Taylor-Lande and Carrie Bladyka. This year’s event featured over twelve unique artists, each with their own area of expertise and style.

Local wildlife photographer James DeWalt offered a stunning collection of his work, capturing the magic of the natural beauty around us here in the mountains. DeWalt inherits his passion for photography from his father and grandfather, and has honed his innate talent since a young age. More of DeWalt’s photography and writings can be seen here in The Mountain-Ear.

Mike Foster and Whitney Padden of Burning Bridges hot sauce brought a selection of not only their locally made hot sauces, including the new Caged Dog kiwi Serrano, but also pepper jelly and spicy mustard. Burning Bridges is a Nederland-born business started by Foster and Padden just this year; their delightfully delicious and devilishly spicy sauces were featured at the 2022 Farmers Market, the 2022 Holiday Market, and several other local events.

Michael Esparza displayed his wonderfully hypnotic surrealist paintings, nestled right in front of the Covered Wagon, drawing the attention of all who wandered in. Evelyn Blodgett of Evi3lution.jewelry.design showcased her custom jewelry; Malas, gemstone necklaces and bracelets, and earrings made from “upcycled” leather.

Jake Kaiser of Ride-or-Dye brought to the 7th Annual Pop-Up Holiday Fair a collection of his handmade tie-dye. Rideor Dye produces not only tie-dye apparel like shirts and hoodies but also tapestries and bed sheets.

Max Rashbaum and Bri Lynn Rashbaum of Spinning Silica brought a beautiful selection of their intricate glass pieces and creative ceramics. Spinning Silica is a combined studio here in Nederland that was started by the Rashbaums in 2018.

Local pastry chef Natalie Duplessy of Peace, Love and Cake produced a selection of holiday-inspired pies and cookies to bring to the fair. Duplessy offered slices of sweet potato, pumpkin, and apple caramel pie, as well as whole pies and gift boxes of assorted cookies to (maybe) share with loved ones.

The event also featured nature-inspired pottery from Megan Gregg of Mountain Megan Art; feather earrings, custom hat pins, and Star Wars-themed Christmas ornaments from Mary Mead; original digital artwork from Ned newcomer Darius Ramos; and handmade dreamcatchers, winter hats, and soaps from Chelsea Gilbert.

“Major success for all the artists and shoppers this year,” Taylor-Lande said about the 7th Annual Pop-Up Holiday Fair. “I’m looking forward to our technically 10th fair next year! I just love our supportive community!”

Taylor-Lande and Bladyka actually began the Pop-Up Holiday Fair nine years ago, though they joke that they celebrated the “5th anniversary” for several years in a row.

“I think it was the best year yet,” Bladyka told The Mountain-Ear about this year’s event. “The vendors really brought their A-game! We really want to keep doing this for the hobbyists,” Bladyka remarked on the true nature of a pop-up, which is not just to remain small and feature non-competing vendors, but mainly to generate awareness. For Bladyka the Pop-Up Holiday Fair is about putting a spotlight on those who dedicate their off-time to their craft, those devoted to their art and the need to create it.