Holiday Makers Market planned in the downtown district

By Patrick Lynn

CREATE Portage County is holding its first-annual Holiday Makers Market on Dec. 12.

The holiday vendor market will offer “holiday décor, crafts, and festive treats,” and locally-made items for sale. The market will be arranged along the south portion of the former Shopko parking lot, 1200 Main St.

The Public Policy and General Government Committee, formerly known as the Public Protection Committee, on Monday gave its unanimous stamp of approval.

Chris Klesmith from CREATE said all vendors will be required to wear masks, and attendees are asked to wear face coverings and practice social distancing. Attendees will enter the market from the east and exit in the direction of downtown.

The city agreed to expand the boundaries for downtown open intoxicants to the market, but only from noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 12. Under the new ordinance, downtown shoppers age 21 and over can consume alcoholic beverages in plastic cups in certain outdoor areas of the downtown. The areas are marked with signs.

Klesmith said no alcoholic beverages will be sold or served at the market itself.

The market will be held Saturday, Dec. 12, from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, find the event on Facebook.