After a successful first year, the Boutique Belmont Christmas market is returning to Stowe Manor for a second year of all local, handcrafted shopping.
The market is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Stowe Manor, 217 S. Central Ave., Belmont.
This year, there will be about 90 vendors — an increase the 60 vendors on site last year. They’ll once again be spread out across the manor’s lawn and first level.
“We handpicked so many of our vendors and reached out to get the top notch, quality vendors,” said Pleasants.
More than 1,000 people came out last year and organizers Katelyn Cochran and Sarah Pleasants expect even more.
“I think we hit something the community of Belmont maybe didn’t know they needed, something to give local artists and local shop owners a chance to display their products and to sell their products, and I think that the community is really excited to see this year,” said Cochran.
As with last year, a portion of proceeds will benefit A Cause for Tea, whose mission is “to globally empower women and children, demonstrating God’s love one teacup at a time.” The nonprofit will also have a booth set up with more information and of course, a selection of teas for shoppers to purchase.
Entertainment will be provided by Arts for All, a nonprofit that affords children the opportunity to study at Gaston School of the Arts who ordinarily wouldn’t be able to.
There will be food trucks onsite providing warm beverages and a few food options from pastas to baked goods.
The vendors have been handpicked by both women. Only local, upscale vendors have been selected and will offer goods like handmade Christmas decorations, dog treats, handmade jewelry, home goods and more.
“You’re going to find things here that you’re not going to find on Amazon,” said Cochran.
Free parking is available at the venue, at New Bridge Children’s Academy and at First Presbyterian Church Belmont.
Tickets are $5 if purchased online up to the day before the event, or $10 at the door. Persons 16 years old or younger are admitted for free. Online tickets may be purchased at buytickets.at/boutiquebelmont/302150.
For more information, visit Boutique Belmont on Facebook.
Reach reporter Brandy Beard at bbeard@gastongazette.com or 704-869-1840.
