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Despite the winter storm, the first Children’s Holiday Market at the Pearl Theater on Saturday enjoyed an incredible turnout, with some of the kids selling out within hours, yet staying the whole day anyway just for the experience! Thanks to its success, organizers Cari Haarstick and Dana Boiler are already formulating plans for next year's market, which will undoubtedly become an annual Christmas tradition.

"We will set the date a little earlier," Dana said, "and it will likely expand to include more performers and even more child vendors! The community came in large numbers to support our local kids and I think they were pleasantly surprised to find such a variety of amazing crafts. The kids poured their heart and soul into their work and it showed."

Most of the vendors said they wanted to return next year and a number of shoppers commented on the venue as well., saying the Pearl Theater provided the perfect quaint atmosphere for this event. Local performers providing entertainment as customer strolled the aisles added greatly to the festive atmosphere, and people were awed by the Talent Team’s "Joy to the World" mini concert and the Husebys live background instrumentals.

"There were about a thousand things that made me smile," Dana said. "The kids dancing through the market aisles with their faces painted, the delicious food, the live entertainment, the packed venue, sold out tables, children as young as three selling handmade ornaments, little vendors dressed in holiday costume, signs drawn in crayon. So many proud parents and grandparents! Hummingbird Sweets has a new little entrepreneur, with her daughter coming up with her own name for the table, Ellie Bird Sweets, which completely sold out by 1 p.m."

And Dana wasn't the only one with good things to say.

"I'd love to see it happen again next year," Penny said. "It was great, the best one in town this year, in my opinion."

"I loved this event!" said Patrice. "I was very impressed by these kids - all of them - but most notable of all for me was the family that 'picks' old machines for their craft. The boy who was wire wrapping with washing machine wire he got out of a broken washer ... wow! He had a brother and sister who were also doing incredible things. My hat is off a thousand times to that mother! I don't know who you are, but I hope you know what a wonderful job you are doing raising your children up to be very awesome, creative adults! Oh ... and the girl who made her own ornaments and had a little sister who was sad because her favorite one had been purchased! I could go on and on ... seeing these kids participate in this really gave my heart a happy boost!"

Kudos also go out to Pearl treasure (and treasurer) Jessica Collins Tingley.

"She always goes above and beyond in everything she hosts at the Pearl," Dana said, "but she really made this happen on very short notice and makes it all look effortless. So, a huge thank you to Jessica and the Pearl Theater for all the accommodations and for making this event so special!"