Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest a crowd-pleaser

Mon, 12/11/2017 - 1:15pm

    Wiscasset’s Holiday Marketfest drew lots of shoppers and people with holiday spirit to Maine’s prettiest village over the weekend. A few inches of fluffy snow that fell Saturday night only added to the beauty of the festively decorated town.

    Woodfield Farm’s horse-drawn carriage transported festival-goers from shops along Main Street to pop-up shops and trunk shows throughout the village, with artisans displaying their handmade art – both wearable and creative and unique to make homes a little more beautiful and fun.

    On Thursday, Dec. 7, shops with glittering Christmas displays in the windows, and pop-up shops were open, and the Fahrenheit 225° food trailer arrived from Lewiston with its Carolina-Memphis style barbecue menu, serving its “low and slow cooked” smoked shoulder pulled pork sandwiches, smoked sweet and Polish sausage, homemade mac and cheese, and brisket chili with a side of fresh warm cornbread

    On Thursday evening, the Downeast Brass band played holiday tunes on the Main Street (Creamery) Pier, and hot chocolate and treats were served at the Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce booth. Santa arrived at 5 p.m. A fireworks display started at around 6 p.m.

    The pop-up shops included a wearable art studio at 49 Water St. that featured handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind jackets and coats made from exotic fabrics, Asian-inspired jackets and purses, fleece pocket shawls, wraps, headbands, scarves, and toys, and handmade doll fashions.

    Handmade crafts were on display at 28 High St., and farm and garden gifts from Mindful Gardens and Carriage House Gardens could be found at the Nickels-Sortwell barn on Federal Street. The historic Nickels-Sortwell house, decorated in holiday cheer, was opened up for visitors throughout the weekend, and Treats held a wine-tasting on Friday evening.

    On Saturday, there were special events with Santa and Fritz the Reindeer Dog for the kids, and the Sheepscot Valley Chorus performed.

    Many of the shops and vendors reported a great turnout and lots of sales.

    And don’t think that just because Marketfest is over, the shopping is. There’s still time to browse the regular merchants’ stores, all with many one-of-a-kind gifts, and the pop-up shop at 49 Water St. will be open Wednesday through Sunday, Dec. 13 to 17 and Dec. 20 to 24 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., except for Christmas Eve when it will close for the season at 3 p.m.