In 2019, I had an idea: to create a Christmas event for my community in Amherst, New Hampshire that didn’t exist here. Amherst, the town where I grew up and returned to as an adult, is home to wonderful Halloween and 4th of July celebrations, but nothing comparable existed for Christmas. I had no funding, no event planning experience, and no guarantee that anyone would attend. What I did have was a genuine love of Christmas, travel, and creating experiences for people to enjoy. From that very first event, the crowds exceeded all expectations.
In 2022 I established the organization as a 501c3 nonprofit and assembled a board of directors. I could not have done this without the board members and volunteers who gave so generously of their time. As the founder and driving force behind every aspect of this event, most of the work fell to me; producing this event was a full-time job, unpaid, with one opportunity per year to get it right.
Every year the crowds were far larger than planned. New demands and obstacles arose on top of an already enormous undertaking. What we produced each year, given the resources we had, was remarkable.
My background in fine art and a lifelong passion for immersive, transportive experiences have always shaped the vision behind this market. What began as a tiny community event in 2019 grew into something far larger and more in-depth than I ever imagined possible. Easily the most demanding (and enlightening) project I have ever taken on- one that has resulted in real momentum, a loyal following, and a future full of potential.
To every vendor, sponsor, supporter, and attendee who showed up, spread the word, or simply believed in what we were trying to create- thank you. That support means more than you know, and it is what keeps this going. The best is still ahead!
– Lindsay Buchanan, Founder & Chairperson