Chamber seeks sponsors and vendors for inaugural Holiday Village & Market Dec. 4
ENCINITAS — Local businesses have an opportunity to help shape a new holiday gathering while putting their names, products and creativity in front of shoppers looking to celebrate close to home.
The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce is seeking sponsors and vendors for its inaugural Encinitas Holiday Village & Market, scheduled for 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in a portion of the Moonlight Beach parking lot. Admission is free.
Presented in conjunction with the Encinitas Historical Society and in partnership with the city of Encinitas, the market will expand the celebration surrounding the annual Heritage Tree Lighting, with tree-lighting festivities beginning at 4 p.m.
For businesses planning their holiday marketing, the event offers a chance to participate in a community experience built around local shopping, family activities and an established Encinitas tradition.
According to an Oct. 10 article in the Encinitas Advocate, based on an event news release, sponsorships range from $500 to $2,000. Opportunities include visibility through event marketing, social media promotion, website recognition and on-site signage.
Businesses can also sponsor individual attractions, including hot chocolate, gingerbread house decorating, a holiday photo station, strolling carolers, children’s activities, and holiday decorations and lighting.
Those options give sponsors a tangible connection to the celebration. A warm drink shared with a neighbor, a child’s decorated gingerbread house or a family holiday photo can become part of the experience a business helps make possible.
The chamber also is recruiting approximately 20 vendors. Booths cost $200, with preference given to chamber members and select other local businesses invited to apply. Space is limited.
Planned offerings include handmade gifts, jewelry, candles, boutique merchandise, seasonal decorations, specialty foods, wellness products and children’s gifts. For participating artisans and retailers, the market creates an opportunity to introduce their work, meet potential customers and encourage shoppers to explore what is available locally.
Chris Kydd, publisher of The Coast News, said the partnership shows how community organizations can build on one another’s strengths.
“I’ve been a champion of the chamber for years, and I love seeing creative collaborations like this with the Historical Society,” Kydd said. “Each organization brings people, talent and ideas to the table. When we bring those strengths together, the whole community gets a better experience.”
He sees the market as an opportunity to celebrate the local businesses and creative people who give Encinitas its character.
“We have a vibrant community of artists and retailers, and this gives people a fun reason to get out and support them,” Kydd said. “You can find a gift, meet the person who made it and run into your neighbors along the way. That’s the kind of community spirit I’m always happy to get behind.”
The market’s format encourages visitors to arrive before the tree-lighting festivities and spend more time enjoying the celebration. Plans call for decorated vendor booths, seasonal music, warm beverages and activities for children and families.
It also opens a weekend of community events, followed by the Encinitas Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 5, and Kringle Mingle on Sunday, Dec. 6.
For prospective sponsors, the invitation is straightforward: Help build an accessible community celebration while introducing your business to residents and visitors. For vendors, it is a chance to turn holiday browsing into personal connections with local shoppers.
Businesses interested in sponsorships or vendor participation should contact the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce at 760-753-6041 or [email protected] for availability and application information. Sponsors can ask about supporting a specific activity and the promotional recognition associated with their participation.
The Holiday Village & Market will take place at the Moonlight Beach parking lot, with overflow parking at Pacific View Arts Center.
