For years Santa Feans have been able to do some of their holiday shopping at the farmers market during specially designated December Saturdays — but this year the market-sponsored holiday fair will be held for three consecutive days and the available arts, crafts and food stuffs will be much more broad ranging

Farmers have been able to bring their crafts to market since the end of November, Alexandra Merlino explained. "The holiday fair on the other hand, is a three-day event (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday) that includes some of the farmers and some folks that do finished foods (like mustard and cheese), she said. There will also be a booth for Santa Fe Farmers Market Cooperative Foods, so more farmers can participate in the fair without having to be there, Merlino said.

"I wanted a strong farmers market presence because we are using that space," Merlino, a SFFM staffer who works at the market mercado, said. "But because of the three days, a lot of people weren't willing to commit — they have cows and goats to milk and other stuff like that — so I came up with this idea, just for the fair, where they'll just share a booth and we'll have someone staff it."

The remaining vendors are local craftspeople, Merlino said — painters, card-makers, jewelers, potters, weavers, lavender people, soaps — even a woman from Colorado who makes clothes (like sweaters) from recycled clothes.

Two sponsors of the fair — REI, which has a new store in the Railyard and Play, a new children's shop in Sanbusco Center — will also have booths — "and REI will be raffling things daily," she said.

Another highlight of the event are lots of activities for kids, Merlino said. There will be a kids' craft area where
they can make ornaments or a gift, puppet shows by the Waldorf School, and a local children's book author, who, with two musicians, will act out her story.

"We chose these days for the fair because one, that was what was available for the pavilion," Merlino said, "but also because the schools will be out, so families and tourists looking for something to do with their children can come here."

The market cafe will be open throughout each day, and coffee, hot chocolate and hot cider will be available. There will also be music, belly dancing by Pomegranate Studios, and the Advent Carolers on Monday and Tuesday.

"We just hope people
will hang out and have a good time and maybe pick up some things," Merlino said. "And
we are hoping to give the local artists and vendors an economic boost, and keep what little money anyone has in town."

Note: The regular Saturday Santa Fe Farmers Market at the Railyard pavilion will feature some special gift items along with the usual fresh and storage veggies, apples, cheeses, meats, jams, salsas and other condiments, chiles, herbs, plants, body-care products, sprouts, cider, squashes, eggs and baked goods from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 20. The farmers market will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 27 and reopen Jan. 3.





WHAT: First Annual Santa Fe Railyard Holiday Fair, co-sponsored by the Santa Fe Farmers Market, REI and Play, a new children's store. Local artists and craftspeople and market vendors selling specialty foods gather for a new take on last-minute holiday shopping. Food and beverages, live music and nonstop activities for kids fill the market hall with good cheer.

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday

WHERE: Santa Fe Farmers Market Pavilion, 1607 Paseo de Peralta (at Guadalupe Street)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 505-983-4098 or visit www.santafefarmersmarket.com