Nearly six years ago, shortly after being hired at Schilling’s Garden Market, Breanna Sommerville floated the idea of a Christmas-themed bazaar to the owners. She envisioned a curated collection of handmade goods from local makers and a one-stop shop for gift-givers.

Next month, the plant nursery hosts its fifth Makers Market with over 40 vendors. Artisan goods will be sold by silversmiths, ceramic artists, knitters and jewelry makers, alongside handcrafted body lotions, jars of butter and mead.

As a copper art and jewelry artisan, Sommerville noticed holiday markets inundated with overlapping products, so she intentionally created a market with a varied collection of merchandise. Now, as the market and events director of Schilling’s Garden, Sommerville works hard to source vendors selling products with little crossover.

“It’s amazing to see the community come together and support all these small local businesses instead of big box stores this time of year,” she said.

Seasonal drinks will be served to the tune of live Christmas music and afternoon visits from Mr. and Mrs. Clause. The farm stand will sell agricultural goods, drinks and handmade wreaths, crafted with foraged clippings by Schilling’s Garden employees.

The Makers Market is held outdoors, regardless of the weather, so organizers encourage attendees to dress accordingly and cozy up to the fires and heaters on site. The property, located just off the Old Bend Redmond Highway and minutes from Bend’s new Costco store, will be decorated with care.

Some have compared the festive atmosphere to a “Hallmark movie village,” Sommerville said.

By hosting the holiday market, Schilling’s Garden, which closes for the season on Nov. 1, can offer its employees an extra month of work, in addition to donating funds from ticket prices.

Last year, it raised over $6,000 for the Family Access Network, which connects Central Oregon families with crucial supports with the help of an advocate. Proceeds from the 2024 market will benefit the same nonprofit.

“Shopping small and local is super important to me and to Schillings (Garden Market) and so being able to uphold those values with this event, it’s just even more special,” Sommerville said.

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Budding entrepreneurs shine

Another upcoming holiday bazaar will be run entirely by kids between the ages of 5 and 17.

While parents can help set up and tear down booths, kids will be responsible for managing the booth independently, answering questions and handling transactions.

Kids’ Entrepreneur Market hosts its holiday sale Dec. 15, part of an effort by Mary To-Saturnio to provide children with real-world experience to develop creativity, confidence and other skills beyond the walls of a classroom.

“They have real customers, are handling real money and they get a chance to be creative and explore their interests and see what it’s like to start a small business and pivot and shift if they need to,” To-Saturnio said. “It’s a great chance for them to learn independence and how to communicate and build relationships (and) how to manage their money.”

As To-Saturnio homeschooled her two kids, Zander, 14, and Zoey, 11, she took notice of their entrepreneurial spirit and love of creating things, which included a lemonade stand in the front yard and games constructed with reusable materials, such as salad boxes, Amazon boxes and spoons.

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To-Saturnio encourages upcycling or repurposing existing materials to create something new.

“I’m trying to build awareness around the environment and being stewards of the environment,” she said.

One young entrepreneur uses glass containers to make candles, while another ties T-shirts into reusable bags.

Market rules prohibit kids from reselling store-bought items, requiring them to tap into their own passions and interests to create a sellable product or service.

Some of the products for sale at the holiday market will be 3D-printed items, dog bones, crocheted goods, pottery and original artwork.

“I’m always so amazed by the quality and craftsmanship that these kids bring to the market,” To-Saturnio said, noting that returning entrepreneurs have grown and evolved along with their products, while developing confidence.

When the Kids’ Entrepreneur Holiday Market attracted a long waitlist, To-Saturnio created a fall market, slated for Sunday at the Downtown Bend Library. The fall market has also reached its maximum capacity for vendors.

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To-Saturnio generated a scholarship fund with the help of parents who own small businesses and local companies such as DIY Cave, The Home Depot, The Environmental Center and Cascade Disposal.

Most importantly, To-Saturnio wants to do what she can to drive traffic to the markets to offer the kids hands-on business experience.

“I just want to see them do well,” she said.

If You Go:

What: Holiday Makers Market

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7 and Dec. 8

Where: Schilling’s Garden Market, 64640 Old Bend Redmond Highway, Bend

Cost: $15 parking ticket (only one required per vehicle)

Contact: schillingsgardenmarket.com

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What: Kids’ Entrepreneur Holiday Market

When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 15

Where: Elks Lodge, 63120 Boyd Acres Road, Bend

Cost: Free to attend

Contact: kidsentrepreneurmarket.com

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What: Kids’ Entrepreneur Fall Market

When: 2:30-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17

Where: Brooks Room, Downtown Bend Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend

Cost: Free to attend

Contact: kidsentrepreneurmarket.com