The Gypsy Moon Marketplace kick-started the holiday season with numerous local vendors, live music and festive Christmas ornaments. 

The Gypsy Moon Marketplace took place Nov. 6-8 at Highland Stables. Whitnee Mosley, Co-Founder of Gypsy Moon Marketplace, said she and her mother-in-law envisioned a place that would build connections, help small businesses, and showcase the charm of Highland Stables. Mosley said it was the 20th show over the last 10 years, celebrating community spirit and growing traditions.

Mosley said the marketplace stands out because each vendor transforms their booth into a unique storefront. She said it is important for shoppers not just to purchase, but to connect with vendors.

“The connection between small business owners and shoppers is the cool thing about our marketplace,” Mosley said. 

Amanda King and Jennifer Shaw of Restored and Company, along with fellow vendors, displayed homemade goods, bringing an authentic touch to the marketplace.

Shaw said the Gypsy Moon does a “phenomenal” job spotlighting vendors and drawing in consumers to explore products that have spent months in production. 

King said she appreciates the returning customers who continue to ask about her products, cherishing the event as a holiday tradition. 

“The work that they do on social media to advertise for our small businesses is hands down,” Shaw said.

King and Shaw both said they found value in collaborating with other vendors, and described the local community as a family that sees each other year-round.    

Jessica Augustus, attendee, said that even after attending the marketplace a handful of times, it’s always a “joy to come back to.”

Augustus said that, with dozens of vendors present at the marketplace, customers have a diverse catalog tailored to their needs. 

“You can tell everybody’s having a good time,” Augustus said. “They’re all just coming together, shopping for their loved ones. It’s a really good vibe.”

Emily Kepellino and Chad Woodworth, of the band Americana, filled the market venue with blues, country, bluegrass, and classic rock, celebrating traditional American roots. 

 “We’ve been here for several years now, and it’s just a great atmosphere,” Kepellino and Woodworth said. “It feels very down-to-earth”,   

The pair said they appreciate how the marketplace enables people to browse and enjoy live music without having to sit down.  

Tiffany Hagadorn, attendee,said she loves the diverse and creative ways vendors present their work at the marketplace. 

  “It’s such an eclectic mix of things all in one place,” Hagadorn said.