The Simply Amazing Market gears up for the busiest time of the year with all hands on deck to produce large amounts of popcorn and fudge. Program participants are excited to kick off this holiday season with the community at the Holiday Market Open House on Saturday, December 6.
The Market Open House will be held this Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Opportunity Enterprises’ main facility, 2801 Evans Ave., Valparaiso. Free pictures with Santa begin at 10 a.m. and last until 2 p.m.
Market Director Elizabeth Veronesi, participants and staff have been rapidly preparing products since August to fill holiday orders. Veronesi expects a “sell out” event.
There will also be door prizes, giveaways and a Holiday Extravaganza Vendor Show. The extravaganza includes featured vendors like Avon, Origami Owl, Scentsy, Thirty-One, Jamberry, Pampered Chef, Lia Sophia, and many more.
“The best part of the open house is the aroma of the fudge, popcorn and nuts,” said Veronesi.
With the helping hands of participants, staff and volunteers, the market is now blooming with high quantities of its trademark treats.
Participants, like Anita and Rachel work 6 to 8 hours a day, preparing products for the Simply Amazing Market event. Their favorite part of the open house is being able to hand out fudge and popcorn samples to visitors.
Retail sales clerk, Sherri Gehring said guests of the open house enjoy coming to the market because of the family-oriented atmosphere.
“People often refer to the market as the hidden gem of OE,” she said. “The market is a great way to kick off the holiday season with children and families.”
Participants are proud of their positions in the market. Anita and Rachel are only two of the many hands that are essential to the mass production during the holidays.
“The participants are a joy to be around, making us all very committed, hardworking people,” said Gehring.
Due to the volume of whole sales, bulk sales and corporate gifting, the Simply Amazing Market always welcomes volunteers.
Visit Anita, Rachel and other amazing people at The Simply Amazing Market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To find out more about the Simply Amazing Market, visit www.simplyamazingtreats.com, or call Market Director Elizabeth Veronesi at 219-464-9621, ext. 289. To volunteer at the market this holiday season, contact Lindsay Ellis at 219-464-9621, ext. 239.