Local residents can ring in the holiday season with unique shopping vendors and fun activities at Olyphant Borough’s second annual Kris Kringle Market on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The annual event was started last year “on a whim” with planning starting late in August, said Kim Onda Atkinson, chairwoman for the Olyphant Borough Kris Kringle Market.

However, even with having last year’s market on the coldest day of the year, over 2,000 people attended, according to Atkinson.

“It was spectacular. We saw a record amount of new shoppers and people visiting the borough,” said Kim Evans, Olyphant Borough Kris Kringle Market Committee member and owner of theKimmy Boutique.

Over 50 vendors will sell at the Kris Kringle Market this year, according to Atkinson. The market will be held near the Borough Building at 113 Willow Ave.

Atkinson said the committee has been planning this year’s market for the past year. She also looked for artisans in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey to find different and unique vendors to invite to the market with handcrafted and homemade items.

“It is a novel way to shop,” said Evans. With many bigger cities having large markets, “it’s nice to see us doing the same thing,” she said.

Shoppers will “see things right from the maker in the marketplace,” said Evans.

The Kris Kringle Market will also “bring the community to see what Olyphant has to offer,” said Evans. Many brick-and-mortar shops in Olyphant will be having sale promotions and giveaways during the event, according to Evans.

This year, the Kris Kringle Market will be held in conjunction with the Lackawanna Heritage Valley’s Santa Train that tours the Midvalley and Upvalley area. The Santa Train will stop at the Queen City Train Station in Olyphant at 1 p.m.

Upon arrival of the Santa Train, a parade will follow at 2 p.m. starting on River Street, to Lackawanna Avenue to Delaware Street and will end at West Grant Street. People in the community are encouraged to take part in the parade. There will be a $100 cash prize for the best float/decorated group. No signup is needed to participate. Those wanting to take part just need to arrive before the start time, according to Atkinson.

The Kris Kringle Market is “for the good of the community and everyone’s well-being,” said Atkinson.

The market also benefits the children of Lackawanna County, according to Atkinson. There will be a variety of activities for kids, including visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus, getting free professional photos by Dream Lens Photography and gifts from Santa, as well as arts and crafts in the basement of Rescue & Restore Church and Party Time Petting Zoo with baby goats, miniature Highland cows and alpacas. Children can also visit with Anna from the movie “Frozen.” There will be free face painting and caricatures by Sweet Cheeks and Touch a Truck with Olyphant Hose Company 2 Ladder 26.

Families can also go on free horse-drawn carriage rides at the event sponsored by the borough of Olyphant, according to Atkinson.

During the market, there will be music throughout the day from DJ Gordo. Other entertainment will include: The Brass Storm Quintet, a five-piece brass ensemble, performing at noon; a Kelly Patrick School of Dance performance at 2:45 p.m. and the Double “R” Twirlettes performing at 3:15 p.m. These performances will take place in the street in front of Rescue & Restore Church, according to Atkinson.

Shoppers will be able to find food from 10 different food trucks serving items including waffles, ribs and pulled pork, as well as ethnic foods from local churches. The market will also have a heated tent with tables and chairs for attendees to sit and enjoy their food, according to Atkinson.

People attending the market can get a free ticket for every merchant they visit to be entered to win a door prize, Atkinson said.

During the market, there will be collection drives for Toys for Tots and new and gently worn winter clothing, including coats, gloves, scarves and hats. Those who bring a donation will receive a ticket for each contribution to win the door prize, according to Atkinson.

“We are trying to help out everyone,” said Atkinson.

There will also be basket raffles at the market.

Atkinson said the committee putting on the event grows every meeting, with more people wanting to help.

“The borough is very good and supportive,” said Atkinson. “Sponsors have been very generous. They saw how popular it was last year and wanted to help make it bigger and better,” said Atkinson.

Sponsors include the borough of Olyphant, Stafursky Paving, Urban Electric, McLane Co. Inc., Mericle Inc., Magdon Music, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Rescue & Restore Church, Lamar and Queen City Tavern, according to Atkinson.

For more information about the Olyphant Borough Kris Kringle Market, check the event’s Facebook page.

If you go

What: Olyphant Borough’s second annual Kris Kringle Market

When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Near the Borough Building at 113 Willow Ave.

Info: Visit the Olyphant Borough Kris Kringle Market Facebook page.