30 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com LOCAL SHOPPING “We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket,” Charlie Brown’s friend and therapist Lucy said in response to his lament, telling this known truth in the 1965 classic TV show. Today seems no different, just with more efficiency thanks to Amazon. But one of the ways we can be like Charlie Brown is by buying gifts from local Monterey County artisans. A variety of winter markets have already started off the season strong, with the 53rd annual Homecrafters’ Market in Carmel, another gathering hosted by the Marina Chamber of Commerce and more. Yet another is upcoming at Other Brother Beer Co., where the Winter Market enters its fifth year, featuring an even wider selection than in the past. In addition to makers, this year will include vintage sellers and some local food makers. “There are so many amazing artists in Monterey,” says Other Brother events coordinator Chloe Ellwanger. “We wanted there to be more variety for the sellers’ benefit, and for the buyers’ benefit.” Local vendors include Woven Herbs, Thread Heron and Mad Batter. Ellwanger is excited to buy some supplements from Katie Reneker at Carmel Berry Company or a mug from Ian Wyatt at Side Quest Ceramics. “It’s always hard for me not to spend money at this market,” she says with a laugh. Browsing for gifts in-person can make shopping more fun, while putting money back into the local economy. Sure, you could buy macaroons from a chain grocery store and give them as a gift, but Betty Bautista from Mad Batter will be able to tell her own story about them as you bite into one. There are plenty of other local artisans to buy from beyond the 14 that will be at Other Brother on Sunday, and other markets. This is just one event at one venue designed to recognize the importance of remaining a community-oriented small business. “It’s going to be a very eclectic market and we’re excited about that,” Ellwanger says. While browsing, visitors can enjoy food from Silverstein’s Delicatessen, along with a beer of course. It’s one way to not let commercialism take hold of your holiday spirit. Fifth Annual Winter Market happens at 11:30am-4:30pm Sunday, Dec. 8. Other Brother Beer Co., 877 Broadway Ave., Seaside. 747-1106. Some of the vendors can be found on Instagram with links to their websites: @sidequestceramics, @themadbatterca, @threadheron and @wovenherbs. COURTESY OF CHLOE ELLWANGER Good Gifts Winter markets make for a great forum to buy locally made gifts, and for artisans to sell their goods. By Sloan Campi Shoppers browse the booths at a previous Winter Market at Other Brother Beer Co. Local makers—of the craft and food kind—return to the Seaside brewery. Food Booth Fry Bread Rez Dogs Indian Tacos Benefits 3 Rivers Indian Lodge, Manteca 20th Annual Native American Christmas Market Saturday Dec. 14th 10am-5pm Sunday Dec. 15th 10am-4pm Spreckles Memorial Building 5th & Llano St., Spreckles Exit 21 off Hwy. 68 Sterling Silver jewelry, beadwork, native glass art, paintings, hand-made drums,T-shirts, arts and crafts plus many more items in a relaxed shopping environment. Buy Native American, by Native Americans Questions? (831) 601-3051 Donations at door appreciated 50% Store Wide Sale Shop. Donate. Volunteer. For drop-off information, please call 831.443.8879 Salinas Discovery Shop at Harden Ranch Plaza 1534 North Main Street, Salinas cancer.org/discoveryCA Sponsored by Hillard Hives Honey sold at The Farm and Star Pharmacy December 13 & 14
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