(Kansas City, MO) –City Market is excited to announce a partnership with The Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair that will expand and elevate MERRY MARKET this holiday season. Known for being an outstanding curated craft fair and leader in the handmade movement, The Swing, celebrating its 11th year, will bring more than 75 local artists and makers to the MERRY MARKET all four weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

City Market introduced MERRY MARKET in 2018 as a holiday shopping event featuring many familiar Farmers Market vendors to kick off the gift giving season. Reimagined for 2021, MERRY MARKET will be a free, open-air European-style experience featuring The Swing’s juried makers, street food vendors, holiday drinks, strolling entertainers and other festivities.

“Our vision for this holiday season is more like a traditional holiday market but new for us,” Sue Patterson, City Market Director of Marketing & Communications, says, “Vendors will be in our Farmers Market pavilions facing outward so guests can shop outdoors with lots of space and fresh air. It will be the perfect place to find unique gifts for everyone on your list while supporting small, local business to keep our community strong.”

Katie Mabry van Dieren, curator and owner of The Strawberry Swing, says participating artisans specialize in ceramics, printing, painting, photography, woodworking, metalsmithing, leather crafting, fiber and textile arts, jewelry, clothing, and much more. Many of the makers are creating limited edition items that will be exclusively available at MERRY MARKET.

“The community and camaraderie that come from both the makers and guests make The Swing an experience unlike any other,” says Mabry van Dieren, “Holiday shopping with our makers is win/win because you’re supporting a community member’s dreams and you’re receiving something original and made from the heart right here in Kansas City.”

MERRY MARKET will continue longstanding annual partnerships to promote the KC Streetcar’s Holiday Jam live music series and to host The Kansas City Museum’s Fairy Princess who will greet and treat guests. City Market shops and restaurants will offer holiday-themed specials, in-store activities, and promotions to be announced closer to the event kickoff.

MERRY MARKET will be open to the public Nov. 26-28, Dec. 3-5, Dec 10-12, and Dec. 17-19. Hours will be Fridays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sundays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free.

For MERRY MARKET information, visit City Market online and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Follow Strawberry Swing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Vendors interested in participating may apply online.