Chilly weather didn’t prevent the Fredericksburg Area Museum’s (FAM) FAMFaire German-style holiday market from bringing warm joy to area residents and spectators on Saturday.
Holiday markets or “Christkindlesmarkt” began in Nuremberg, Germany, in the 16th century and remain a popular activity among European countries, according to FAM representatives. German Christmas markets are filled with gorgeous, often handmade, Christmas ornaments, pottery, candles and goodies.
The bustling event took place at the historic Market Square in downtown Fredericksburg. A crowd of more than 3,000 people attended the FAMFaire over a span of six hours. Kelli Carneal, FAM’s Communications and Marketing Director, emphasized the importance of honoring Market Square’s 200 plus-year tradition of gatherings with this year’s holiday market event.
The Market Square holiday market is typically held annually but experienced a brief pause during the pandemic, Carneal said.
“It’s a great turnout, especially with the weather being cold. Attendees have told me they liked the way the event was marketed,” she said. “I feel we are reaching an immense audience because many people came who are unfamiliar with the holiday market.”
Santa Claus and craft activities entertained the kids inside the museum, a key part of the holiday market celebration. Fredericksburg Big Band, a volunteer performing arts group based locally, serenaded listeners with jazz, swing music, and holiday jingles as they purchased food, handcrafted goods, and festive decorations.
According to FAM Event and Operations Manager Clarissa Sanders, Market Square was established in 1816 and has always served as a location for vendors to sell products.
FAM’s Event and Operations Manager, Clarissa Sanders, was in awe of the celebration for local artisans.
“These events were important in the past, and they still are in the present,” she said.
In October, FAM announced a call for vendors to take part in the traditional holiday market. The selected vendors then went through an application process, and Sanders indicated that diversity among vendors was important. In total, 25 vendors were approved and came out on Saturday to display their wares for the community.
Spotsylvania resident Ketra Dixon, who owns Snicka’s Cookies, praised the event for bringing brand recognition to her business. Dixon’s company features seven flavors of Snickerdoodle cookies, including eggnog, hot cider, and rum.
Spotsylvania resident Ketra Dixon, who owns Snicka’s Cookies, has been a vendor at multiple FAMFaires. (Photo by Jamar Billingsley)
For the past three years, Dixon has participated as a vendor in the holiday market.
“A lot of the people I meet at this event started following me on social media. I saw a lot of repeat customers over the years out here today,” said Dixon, who added that she appreciated the authentic German baked goods at the market.
Goodwill Rappahannock was the presenting sponsor of this year’s holiday market, while Atlantic Builders funded the bar offering mulled wine, hot toddies, hot chocolate, hot cider, and German beer. Other sponsors included RFC CPA Consultants, Shore United Bank, The Title Professionals LLC, Sheehy Toyota, and Topside Federal Credit Union.
