Winter Craft Market draws big crowds, big spirit at MVHS field house

Holiday festivities began in Mount Vernon last Saturday when the inaugural Winter Craft Market took over the Energy Field House on Yellow Jacket Drive. The event, hosted by the MVHS softball and baseball teams, the Athletic Boosters, and the Jacket Journal, served as a fundraiser and quickly proved itself a new favorite among families, shoppers, and local artisans.

More than 90 vendors filled the field house with an impressive assortment of handcrafted items. Shoppers browsed tables stocked with jewelry, screen-printed t-shirts and hoodies, homemade candles and lotions, floral arrangements, original paintings, woodcrafts, seasonal décor, and much more. The aisles stayed busy throughout the day as guests looked for unique gifts and enjoyed supporting small businesses and student programs.

MVHS girls’ softball coach Ryan Pentz and boys’ baseball coach Nate Hunt, along with Hunt’s wife, were on site throughout the event assisting with logistics and behind-the-scenes coordination. From guiding vendors to helping manage foot traffic, the trio played an essential role in ensuring the market’s smooth operation.

A particularly magical highlight of the market was a special appearance by Santa Claus, who made the trip straight from the North Pole for photos and Christmas wish-list conversations. Families lined up for the chance to meet him, and $1 from every Santa visit was donated to the Giving Hope Foundation, further extending the event’s positive impact beyond the school walls.

The Santa photos were taken by Josiah Sainas, a junior at MVHS and an emerging young photographer. Sainas captured each moment as children shared their holiday hopes with Santa.

Student athletes from the softball and baseball programs, as well as members of the Jacket Journal, MVHS’s student-led media journalism class, played a major role in staffing and running the event. Students assisted vendors, greeted guests, and helped with sales, set-up, and cleanup. Pentz emphasized the importance of their involvement, noting that the students are gaining real-world experience. 

"Our student athletes and Jacket Journal members are working here at the event to learn about customer service and different life lessons," Pentz said.

The success of the Winter Craft Market was evident not only in its strong attendance but also in the enthusiasm of vendors, volunteers, and families who expressed hopes that the event will continue as a Mount Vernon holiday tradition. With its combination of community spirit, student leadership, and festive creativity, the first annual market set a high bar for years to come.

As the day wrapped up, organizers and attendees alike celebrated a fundraiser that brought the community together in support of local programs and holiday cheer. If the turnout is any indication, the Winter Craft Market is well on its way to becoming a staple seasonal event for Mount Vernon.