Decorah 8th Graders Help Host Holiday Vendor Event

Posted: December 11, 2024

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brecka Putnam
brecka.putnam@gmail.com
630-957-8003

Dozens of Decorah 8^th Graders Help Host Holiday Vendor Event to Raise Funds for DC Trip.
December 14 Vendor Event will include traditional crafters and vendors, over 20 8^th grade booths, breakfast and lunch, and pictures with Santa.

(Decorah, IA) – On Saturday, December 14, the 12^th Annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Market will take place at the Community Building at the Winneshiek County Fairground. Like many vendor events, the market will feature handcrafted items, health and beauty products, homemade treats, home décor, and more. Unlike most markets, over a quarter of the vendors are eighth grade students, and students will be working the door, the food area, set up and tear down. Each student attends Decorah Middle School or St. Ben’s and is working to raise funds for their trip to Washington, DC this summer.

“Six years ago my niece and I went on this trip together,” said Brecka Putnam, one of the organizers. “I noticed that there were not a lot of group fundraising opportunities, and I felt strongly that no student should miss out on this trip because of lack of funds. I’m lucky to know some great event organizers who help put on a great event that vendors and customers come back to year after year. They all really enjoy helping the students while finding great holiday items.”

This year’s event is unique in that there are more students participating than ever before, and that Santa is coming for the first time. Attendees who visit from 12-3 PM will have the opportunity to have a professional photo taken with Santa. They can also purchase breakfast and lunch, participating in wine tasting, stuff their own teddy bear, and more. The first 100 attendees will receive free gift bags.

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