Fresh Eats, Family Music and Friendly Gifts at the Kingfield Holiday Market

At this Sunday’s annual Kingfield Holiday Market, a seasoned board member will step from behind the scenes and take part in the market, selling his holiday-themed children’s book Mrs. Claus & the Batty Christmas.  

“What’s funny is I’ve been on the Farmers Market committee for the past four years,” Jeff Berg said. “It’s a strange role reversal. I’ll be helping vendors put up their tables and then putting up my own.” 

It’s his first time as a vendor at the market, and his first go at being an author/illustrator as well. Berg credits the idea for Mrs. Claus & the Batty Christmas to his young daughter, who two Christmases ago asked the burning question on every child’s mind Christmas morning.

“So Dad, how do vampires get their presents if they stay up all night?”

Berg then spent his holiday beginning to develop a children’s book about vampire bats that save Christmas.

It’s a tired topic, Berg acknowledged, laughing, but he thought, “What the heck, I’m going to go for that one more time and see if I can do it right.”

Self-published through Peppermint Books and newly available at area book stores, Mrs. Claus & the Batty Christmas can also be snatched up in time for the holiday season this Sunday at the Kingfield Holiday Market.  

Also at the Holiday Market will be finger-licking crowd favorites from the likes of Bogart Loves, and Foxy Falafel, as well as a selection of local handmade gifts. Overall, Sunday’s market will be slightly larger than what we’ve seen this season. While the outdoor market generally tops out at 30 vendors, there will be 35 at the Holiday Market.  

That’s assuming, of course, we don’t get hit with a snowstorm like last year’s Holiday Market.

EJ Gurley, the market manager, said he’s hoping for better weather this year.

“We’re hoping not to have the snow of last year. Last year we got eight plus inches,” Gurley said. “If the snow doesn’t come, we’ll have a full house of vendors.”

In addition to the food, gifts and general holiday cheer, there will be entertainment provided by the local group Roe Family Singers, who Gurley said is “always a crowd favorite.”

Vocalist, banjo and guitar player Quillan Roe said the band will play from roughly 9:00 to 1:00 and the songs will be a similar selection to what is heard at the band’s monthly Kingfield Market performances–with the possibility of a few timely additions as well.

“There might be a few holiday songs sneaking in, but I can’t make any promises,” Roe said. 

Sunday’s indoor event marks the final Kingfield Market for the season, with the outdoor Kingfield Farmers Market slated to start up again on May 20 of next year.

If You Go:

What: Kingfield Holiday Market 

When: Sunday, November 20, 8:30AM–1:00PM

Where: King Park Center, 41st and Nicollet

Cost: Free