WHAT? Grow Benzie Holiday Gift Market WHO? Everyone is welcome to attend. WHEN? Saturday, November 6, 2021 10 am to 4 pm HOW MUCH? There is no cost to attend the event. WHY? Grow Benzie will be hosting a Holiday Gift Market as a community event to provide a space for local farmers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners to showcase their products to the public in anticipation of the upcoming holiday season. This will be a multi-faceted event including: “National Tie-One-On Day” Apron Celebration hosted by the Grow Benzie Fibershed. This day celebrates the apron as well as the past generations of women who wore them. It was created by Ellyn Anne Geisel as a day to bring joy to the life of someone in need and celebrate the spirit of giving. “Women clad in aprons have traditionally prepared the Thanksgiving meal, and it is within our historical lineage to share our bounty.” Through the years, aprons have served many purposes: protected hands from hot items coming out of the oven, wiped tears away in moments of sadness, and protected our clothes while we cook. They’ve carried eggs, vegetables, toys, and even the catch of the day. You can help celebrate this tradition by buying an apron and giving it to someone in need on Thanksgiving Eve...wrapped around a special baked good or with a note of encouragement tucked lovingly into a pocket. Holiday Gift and Craft Sale. We will be hosting a gift and craft market in the Community Events Center at Grow Benzie to provide the public an opportunity to purchase goods from local vendors for gift giving during the holiday season. We anticipate providing a wide variety of items from over 20 vendors including handmade craft items, ornaments and cards, pre-packaged food items, and holiday decorations. Fall Harvest Farm Market. The Fall Harvest Farm Market will give the Grow Benzie Monday Market farm vendors an opportunity to showcase their late season produce including fruit, root vegetables, winter squash, and gourds...perfect for cold weather soups, stews, and baked goods. WHERE? Grow Benzie Community Event Center 5885 Frankfort Highway (M-115), Benzonia, 49616 HOW CAN I BECOME A VENDOR? Anyone interested in becoming a vendor can complete an online application at www.growbenzie.org/market. We would appreciate applications to be submitted by October 16 as space is limited. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by October 23. Vending fees are $10/applicant. QUESTIONS? Contact: Julie Cramer; julie@growbenzie.org; 231-642-1524