Thanksgiving looming on the horizon, which means the second annual McKenzie Holiday Market is similarly just around the corner. 

The market, a product of the McKenzie Quarterback Club, will feature arts and crafts, holiday items, activities for children, food and much more.

Tori Jones Norris, overseer of this year’s event, said that the McKenzie Quarterback Club supports all athletics at McKenzie, providing meals for travelling teams and meeting any other needs that the school’s various athletic programs may have.

Last year’s event raised $2,000, and those involved are aiming for an even higher goal this year by making small improvements all while sticking to an old adage: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

“Of course, it was a learning experience last year,” Norris said. “So when we were reaching out to vendors, we let them know that our inside vendor space is very limited, but we do have space outdoors for vendors. Everything else is basically the same.  We kept the admission rate low because it didn’t turn anyone away, but it helped us bring it a little more profit.

“And we have activities for the children.  Last year we had a couple of inflatables and some face painting, but one of the things I heard from customers was that there wasn’t anything that kids could buy.  It was all for adults.  So we do have a vendor this year who is selling toys, so that the kids can feel like they’re buying something, as well.”

Approximately 30 vendors rounded out last year’s roster, and the second annual holiday market has already secured 25, with more vendors being added in the final days leading up to the event.

Positive event from their inaugural outing led to many vendors returning, including the Red Level-based Willow Farms, a small, family-owned fruit farm that sells jams, jellies, honey and an assortment of other items.

“We have several people who do arts and crafts around the area,” Norris added.

“And then we have business-type companies such as Paparazzi Jewelry and 31 bags, and we have a local church that will have baked goods.”

The market is set to kick off Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the McKenzie School gym, as well as a space outside the gym.

“We know that’s the opening day of deer season, but it really worked for us last year because it’s the Saturday right before Thanksgiving and people are starting to think about the holidays,” Norris said.

For a complete list of vendors, visit the 2nd Annual McKenzie Holiday Market Facebook page.