Wednesday, October 30, 2013

2013 A Traditional Holiday Market


'Tis the Season to be Jolly! 

Folks are prepping and planning and decking the halls . . . From Halloween spooky places, to pumpkin patches, to corn field mazes, to purchasing the fixins' for a hearty Thanksgiving Day, and gearing up for the jolliest time of the year!  It's time to celebrate -- Again!

Over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go! . . . Okay, so this puppy dressed in his turkey costume is either ready for an eventful Halloween or for turkey day . . . Let's just say he's dressed for either occasion!

And now that the farmer's market has officially ended for the season, our growers, food preparers and artisans  are now spending the necessary time preparing for a joyful season!


Mike a.k.a. "Banana Bread man" and his beloved wife, Mary took the time to get some much need rest and relaxation and ventured to Nantucket and indulged in an all you can eat oysters fest!  Yummy! 

And while enjoying their jaunt they stumbled upon, what else, a giant orange centipede!  How adorable! Not to mention, creative!  Who would have thought to use carrots and peppers as legs and feet  . . .

Of course, I always have my eyes and ears open to discover new information . . . One of the market's long term artisans, Mary and Chuck Obemeyer of Greystone Products, Inc. are the recipients of two awards, "Best in Show" and "Most Innovative Work." The awards were bestowed during the Octagon Art Festival held in September. 

According to Mary, Ames, Iowa is where the 1st computer was built at the Iowa State University  some of their pieces are available for sale at the Octagon Art Shop in Ames, Iowa for all the world to see.

Congratulations Mary and Chuck! Just in case you have not had the pleasure of purchasing  their work, the "pieces" mentioned above are a variety of jewelry; earrings, cufflinks etc. made from recycled computer parts. 


Prickly pears?  No . . .  Green tomatoes? No . . . So, you are probably asking  . . What on earth (excuse the pun) is on the ground?  

Another great adventure!  I had the pleasure of joining other local meeting planners during a recent FAM trip sponsored by the M-NCPPC which highlighed unique venues in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland. What a terrific experience meeting new people in the meeting planning industry, but also explore old mansions and estates nestled and scattered throughout the region.

The staff members showcased the facilities in grand style and told the stories about the rich histories found in our own backyards. 

Okay, let me get back to the green prickly round balls on the ground. These are fruits which have fallen from an "Osage Orange tree."  These trees are indigenous to North America and the fruits usually drop to the ground in the Fall.  The gardener told us that the trees were planted close to the house to ward off insects that find their way into the house when outdoor temperatures change. So, guess what, I gathered two of these giant balls and have them sitting near a door . . .  I'll let you know if they are effective.

We can probably all agree that folks across the globe are eager to discover something lighthearted and fun for a change . . . We have been inundated with lots of balls going up and down with challenges and mishaps and loads of devastating news. And as we draw near the close of 2013 we are hopeful that our lives will mellow out and life's puzzle pieces will begin to fall into place. 

So, to encourage happy, smiling faces and warm  hearts we are preparing for a delightful "Traditional Holiday Market" for the entire family!  This year, we are gearing up to have a traditional Christmas Holiday Season at National Harbor. The market days will be longer --  Yea!! You can begin your shopping for 2014!  Anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions!

Six (6) weeks beginning November 29, 30, December 1, 7/8,14/15, 21/22, 28/29 and ending on January 4/5.


We welcome everyone to come out and discover ideas to deck the halls and gifts to make your loved one's faces merry and bright.  Strolling along American Way, visitors and shoppers will discover handmade holiday ornaments, decorations, tasty holiday treats such as cookies, cakes, kettle corn, breads, roasted nuts, pumpkin pies, donuts, funnel cakes, hot cider and cocoa, home made chilis, turkey dogs, shrimp po boys and gumbo, and much more! 

Our farmer will be on hand to help folks select the best fresh cut trees, garland, wreaths, fresh vegetables and fruits and artisans will set up shop on American Way to offer unique one of kind gifts -- jewelry, knitted scarves, hats, gifts for pets, photography, and lost of other specialty foods.  Yum!

To offer folks a full experience, a variety of music will filter the atmosphere every Saturday and Sunday throughout the holiday market season.  

And there's more!  National Harbor will count down to the most “magical time of the year” on November 29th.  
   
There will be more than 200,000 illuminated Christmas lights  strung around a grand 65-foot tree to the sounds of the Orchestra at National Harbor featuring the American Military Spouses Choir as seen on America’s Got Talent.  

After the ceremony, the evening will end with the annual spectacular fireworks display and finale and light show at 8:00 p.m.   To learn more, visit: http://nationalharbor.com/event/harbor-holiday-market-2/#sthash.41IhdRij.dpuf

Join us, visit our growers, producers, exhibitors and artisans and bring the entire family, share with friends, and spread a lot of joy and love this year! 

Support small businesses!


Do you have an interest in showcasing your handmade gifts and talents? Or do you know someone who is seeking a unique venue to sell their wares?  Connect with us . . . The market is produced each week by Phenomenal Productions, LLC.  For details about becoming a vendor please contact: Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton, President and Owner – Phenomenal Productions, LLC, send an e-mail to: phyproductions123@gmail.com to request an application give us a call via telephone at 301.910.8076 if you have questions.

We will look forward to seeing your smiling faces soon and welcome you to share the news!

Thank you!

Phyllicia
Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div.
Market Manager
American and Holiday Markets
National Harbor
www.nationalharbor.com

President
Phenomenal Productions LLC
www.phenomenalproductions.com

Founder/President
Hannah's Grace, Inc.
www.hannahsgrace.org


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