As ornaments glistened and live music lulled in the background, a vibrant crowd made its way through Adam's Mountain Cafe for Yobel's third annual Alternative Christmas Shopping experience last Monday night. Almost 20 local artists set up shop in the cozy restaurant to display products ranging from homemade stationary and jewelry to hand-crafted bowls made from old records.
Walking in to the lobby, shoppers were offered hand-woven baskets to use as shopping carts, and potentially, purchases that would benefit Africans linked to a project in Ghana. The dimly lit restaurant hosted a welcoming atmosphere for consumers who want to make a difference and the creators who worked the event alike. "Yobel has made me a better person," said Holly Port, creator and owner of The Lotion Bar Cafe. "I just love the community that is created at this event; I don't really care how much I sell!"
As you wove through tables filled with scarves, jewelry, wallets, notebooks and more, you could pick up a glass of deliciously decadent hot spiced wine (respectfully provided by the Swirl Wine Emporium) or grab a drink from Adams' wide menu selection for a couple bucks, or simply snag a gingerbread cookie from snack tables around the room. But the selections didn't end there; children's books, stuffed toys, knitted hats, silk scarves, and post cards were also available for purchase.
"I am just so excited to be here and support Yobel in their ventures," said owner of the Cheery Checkerboard Kitchen, Deborah Worthey. Deborah began her business about 4 years ago when her son signed up for YWAM and she wanted to support him. She began selling three different types of dip mixes at local farmers markets and found that people were quickly catching on to her creations. Her business now includes cookie mixes, jams, soups, chip dips, homemade snack bowls and much more. "This is just such a great community and I am so thankful for the people who have a heart for that," she said.
Festive background music was provided by independent singer Rachel Brown, Sara Schlotterbeck and Laurie Thornton of The Blackthorn Project while consumers mingled and made a difference by purchasing fair trade items and products that benefited projects from other countries, or supported the businesses of local artists. Whether gifts were purchased for oneself or for others, Christmas Spirit was definitely in the air!
This year's Bazaar was co-hosted by Adam's Mountain Cafe and the Colorado Springs Empty Stocking Fund. The latter's mission is to provide resources for 15 different health and human agencies in the Pikes Peak region. You can find out more about their vision and projects at fillanemptystocking.org.
