QUEENS — Just in time for the holidays, a new winter craft market is launching in Jamaica this Saturday.
The market, which will focus on showcasing local artists, crafters and artisanal food products, will remain open on three consecutive Saturdays in December.
“Visitors will have the chance to pick up locally produced holiday gifts for friends and family, or just treat themselves to fun and unique items that support small artists and crafters,” said John Wang, founder of the Queens International Night Market who teamed up with the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation to organize the winter bazaar.
The organizers said they felt encouraged to create the winter market after the success the Queens International Night Market earlier this year.
The night market initially launched in April at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, but moved to downtown Jamaica in September after it had to relocate for the U.S. Open.
Mary Reda, director of real estate operations at the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, said that the feedback from local communities about the night market “was so overwhelmingly positive that we wanted to capture the momentum and sponsor another market locally during the winter months.”
But while the night bazaar was an outdoor event, its winter equivalent will be held indoors, at the Jamaica Market.
Wang said he hopes the initiative will “play even a small part in the renaissance of Jamaica.”
“We are committed to showing that there is a demand and market for quality craft and artisanal products in Jamaica,” he said, adding that the bazaar offers low vendor fees to make it more accessible to local retailers.
The Winter Craft Market will be located at the Jamaica Market (90-40 160th St., at Jamaica Avenue). It will remain open on Dec. 5, 12 and 19, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The market is still accepting applications from citywide and Queens-based artists, crafters, and vendors. The organizers are also looking to feature local musicians and performers. Vendors may apply here. For more information email: vendor@queensnightmarket.com.
