Vintage market delights holiday shoppers

Those looking to do their holiday shopping while enjoying the fresh country air, all while supporting local artisans and businesses, were in luck.

Three-year-old Kaiden Hay, of New Tampa, left, and his 4-year-old sister, Kaiya, pose behind a wooden cutout depicting Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. The children were at the Country Christmas & Vintage Market event with their parents, Eugene and Kara, and grandparents, Scott and Jennifer Cook, of Dade City. (Christine Holtzman)

The Country Christmas & Vintage Market, a family friendly event, was held at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City.

Dozens of vendors were on hand for the Dec. 5 event, selling various vintage items and antiques, as well as handcrafted goods. Items for sale included Christmas decorations, quilts, toys, jewelry, clothing and crafts.

A children’s area was set up inside the Mabel Jordan Barn, where many activities and craft stations were being offered. Games and crafts in this area included Ring Toss the Bulls, Snowball Throw, Santa Limbo, Ornament Bowling, Pin the Nose on the Reindeer, and make-your-own Christmas ornament.

Four-year-old Alice Scarborough, of Dade City, plays a ring toss game inside the Mabel Jordan Barn at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. The young girl, along with her mother, Morgan, and, 1-year-old brother Raylen, stopped by the barn to play games and to take part in the children’s crafts being offered during the Country Christmas & Vintage Market on Dec. 5.

Live entertainment was provided by Gypsy Wind, a Pinellas County-based acoustic band, that played a blend of jazz, swing and acoustic music.

In addition to the main building, visitors could explore the many historic buildings on the grounds, like the Trilby Depot, the Old Lacoochee School, the John Overstreet House and the C.C. Smith General Store. Each building, and the surrounding grounds, were expertly decorated by the Dade City Garden Club in its annual effort to help beautify the grounds during the holiday season.

According to the club’s Facebook page, all circles of the club contribute to the project by donating the materials needed to create the historically authentic decorations. The Facebook page also noted that members of the Echebucsassa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution joined the garden club in decorating the Overstreet House.

Visitors touring the buildings were encouraged to vote for the best decorated building for a chance to win a family membership to the museum.

A cutest Elf contest, blacksmith demonstrations, and complimentary holiday photos rounded out the event.

Admission to the event was $5, and free for children under 5.