Larkspur, California (PRWEB) November 30, 2015
Continuing its annual tradition of holiday activities, tasty treats and family fun to enhance its exceptional shopping experience, Marin Country Mart has announced its schedule of events for December 2015. A highlight this year is the Holiday Fancy Flea, outdoor markets to be held on Saturdays in December (December 5, 12, and 19) from 5-8 pm, featuring pop-up shopping with a focus on special gifts. In addition, reflecting its popularity last year, the circus returns to Marin Country Mart, with three performances on Saturdays at 6 pm. On December 12 and 19, International Orange, the spa opening at Marin Country Mart in February 2016, hosts a preview of what’s to come, with founder Melissa Ferst and special offers. On Saturday, December 12, the Farmers’ Market holds its Holiday Celebration on December 12 from 9 am-2 pm. From December 6 thru 14, the Hanukkah Hut welcomes all to enjoy complimentary latkes with organic toppings. Other holiday events include the Elf Workshop + Show on December 5 and seasonal music throughout the month.
Marin Country Mart is delighted to present a selection of beautifully curated holiday offerings at the Holiday Fancy Flea, according to Diana Rodgers, Director of Special Events. “We were inspired by European markets, where families shop for elegant gifts amid a joyful ambience, with fun for kids and entertainment for all,” Ms. Rodgers said. “Where else can you find exceptional shopping, delicious edibles, circus enchantment and more – all in one place?”
Here is more information on December’s festivities:
HOLIDAY FANCY FLEA
Modeled after the holiday markets in Europe, Marin Country Mart’s Holiday Fancy Flea will be held outdoors, transforming the tents in the Farmers' Market area to create a new evening experience. The Holiday Fancy Flea will feature pop-up shopping in addition to offerings from Marin Country Mart’s existing merchants. Planned to be fun for the whole family, children’s activities include storytelling with a team of fairies, kids’ culinary classes (making – and eating! – gingerbread on December 5, and candy cane marshmallows on December 12, and decorating holiday cupcakes on December 19), and holiday henna and face-painting. Marianne Weiner, the Hot Chocolate Lady from Boulette’s Larder in San Francisco’s Ferry Building features traditional European hot chocolate, thick and rich. At Farmshop’s booth, there’s a real apple press, plus seasonal cheer for kids and grown-ups.
The Holiday Fancy Flea welcomes shoppers with a diverse selection of unique items – ideal for thoughtful gifts for others (or one’s self!). Wares include handwoven blankets, outdoor clothing, glassware, art and antiques, fine men's soaps and grooming items, housewares, pottery, handmade toys, holiday flowers and wreaths, a selection of ornaments, food items to enjoy or give, and much more. A gift wrapping booth simplifies the season’s requirements. And rain or shine, there’s a big, warm cozy tent.
Here’s a list so far of Fancy Flea participants appearing on various dates:
- Dreaming Glass – Hand-blown functional glass art, with a glass-blowing artist onsite
- Baxter of California – A luxury collection of exclusive men's grooming products
- Small Trade Company – Featuring housewares; a meditation on making, they collaborate with individuals near and far
- Clover Artisans – Artisan-made global style for the home, including hand-woven blankets
- Rustic Bakery – Organic fine foods and baked goods, offering treats to eat or give
- Cousins Maine Lobster – A food truck serving up fresh and authentic Maine seafood
- Jess Flood Event Design – Offering onsite flower arranging, wreaths & greens
- Fairy Interesting — Waldorf handmade toys and fairy babies
- Farmshop — Hot cider for kids and signature hot toddies for adults
- Croques & Toques – A Sonoma County food truck that specializes in seasonal croquettes and international small plates
- Belcampo Meat Co. – Sausage on a stick from the company that raises, processes, butchers and serves the highest quality pastured meats.
- Antique & Art Exchange – A leading antiques dealer in San Francisco’s Design District, specializing in unique and hard to find items
- Glassybaby — Hand-blown collectible tealight glass votive candle holders that make exceptional gifts and give back to charity
- Emily Butterfly — A creatress of many genres, including puppetry, illustration and cartoon voice-overs, tells stories with a team of fairies
- Three Babes Bakeshop – Award-winning purveyors of pie, offering holiday pies and pie by the slice
- Three Twins Ice Cream – A tasty scoop (an affogato - shot of expresso over vanilla ice cream – or a scoop with chocolate sauce)
- Heritage Culinary Artifacts – Unique items from around the world, based on a love for art and antiques and passion for things food and wine
- Willow Farm – Dried fruit, herb salts, kindling bundles and other goods inspired by the farm and made with care
- Trading Post – Post office services and more, featuring cookbooks and cards
- Elsie Green – Old and new culinary finds from around the world
- In Fiore – Distinctive, all-natural skincare, made in San Francisco
- New Wheel Electric Bikes – Innovative electric bikes and cycling gear
In addition, two noted purveyors are coming to Marin Country Mart for the month of December and are open during normal business hours:
- Clare V. – California-made luxury leather handbags, apparel and footwear designed by Clare Vivier
- Westerlind – An outdoor apparel and gear boutique featuring the best brands from around the globe, including Armor Lux, Vuarnet and Woolrich
To make the holiday better for those less fortunate, Holiday Fancy Flea vendors will donate 10% of their proceeds to three charities, one recipient each night: Children of Shelters on December 5, ExtraFood on December 12, and Bay Area Discovery Museum on December 19.
HOLIDAY CIRCUS PERFORMANCES
A highlight of the Fancy Flea is the return of the holiday circus, a family favorite last year. Le Cirque de Bohème returns on December 5 and 12 with Le Petit Cirque de Noël and its original show, “Rue des Roses;” and the Wooden Nickel Circus performs “Winter Cabaret” on December 19. Circus performances are held under the Big Tent from 6-7:15 pm. Circus details and tickets are available through our website at http://www.marincountrymart.com/calendar and on Brown Paper Tickets at marincountrymartcircus.bpt.me. Tickets are $10 for children 18 and under, and $20 for adults. Space is limited and all attendees must have a ticket.
Full of enchantment, thrill and wonder, Le Cirque de Bohème has delighted kids and adults for years. Founded by Frenchman Michel Michelis, his circus company, Le Cirque de Bohème, was created 11 years ago in Paris and moved to California seven years ago. The goal of Monsieur Michelis – an eclectic artist, author, singer, actor, and interpreter – is to present the joy and mystery of a Parisian-style circus of the 1920s, with its mix of theater, music and circus sets. Some of this year's artists, who hail from the Bay Area, France and Germany, have performed in circuses for over 30 years.
Tom Sweeney is the founder and creative director of the Wooden Nickel Circus. The Wooden Nickel Circus creates unique, unforgettable circus arts events appropriate for all ages. With close to two decades of experience as a musician and performing artist, working within variety shows and independent circus arts events, Tom brings together many of today’s top entertainers from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. The Wooden Nickel Circus showcases acrobatics, juggling, dance, contortion, and theatre. The Wooden Nickel Circus invites you to experience live entertainment that truly charms and inspires.
INTERNATIONAL ORANGE
Offering curated holistic wellness in a simple yet thoughtful sanctuary, International Orange is an urban spa destination for personal transformation. In February, IO expands from San Francisco to a new location at Marin Country Mart. But in December, at the Holiday Fancy Flea markets on December 12 and 19 from 4-8 pm, visitors are invited to preview what’s to come. Relax with a mini-massage, shop for holiday gifts, and meet Melissa Ferst, founder of International Orange. As a special offer, shoppers receive a gift from International Orange with any purchase at the IO winter markets. Gift Certificates purchased at the IO Fancy Flea markets can be redeemed at the San Francisco or Marin location, upon opening. Celebrate the season with intention.
FARMERS’ MARKET HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Celebrate the holidays at Marin Country Mart’s Farmers' Market, on December 12 from 9 am-2 pm. The event will be packed with fun, family-friendly activities. Join us for writing and sending a letter to Santa, holiday cookie decorating, old-fashioned apple-juice pressing, reuse holiday kids’ crafts with SCRAP, a sing-along with Santa, complimentary photos with Santa, pony rides, face painting, and seasonal live music. There will also be plenty of holiday treats and beverages to enjoy. As always, you’ll find a great selection of farmers' market organic produce, pastured meats, local seafood, artisan cheeses, baked goods, nuts, breads and pastries, honey, and holiday flowers. A rain-or-shine event, most activities happen beneath our BIG farmers’ market tent.
OTHER DECEMBER EVENTS
The Hanukkah Hut returns to share latkes with shoppers from December 6–14. Toppings include organic applesauce from Nana Mae’s Organics and Straus organic sour cream. Other festivities include the Elf Show + Workshop on December 5 at 4 pm; and gypsy jazz music by Rue Manouche on December 26, from 5:30-8:30 in the Courtyard. All are complimentary.
Marin Country Mart is located at 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, CA 94939. Parking is free. Additionally, parking on weekends and nights is available at no cost at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal Building, just a short stroll over a pedestrian bridge from Marin Country Mart.
For more information on Marin Country Mart, contact us by phone 415-461-5700, email at marketing(at)marincountrymart(dot)com or online at http://www.marincountrymart.com
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ABOUT MARIN COUNTRY MART
In 2009, J.S. Rosenfield & Co. purchased Larkspur Landing, transforming it into Marin Country Mart through extensive upgrades and new retail offerings with independent brands that better reflect the preferences of residents and visitors. The open-air shopping destination, comprised of 12 barn buildings and over 173,000 square feet of space, features appealing boutiques, dining options, services and special events. Marin Country Mart has two sister venues in Southern California, Brentwood Country Mart and Montecito Country Mart, which are favorites among residents for exceptional shopping and dining. All are conceived with a spirit of community in mind, as lively gathering places that evoke simpler, more gracious times. Inspired by the idea of the village square, Marin Country Mart is a welcoming destination where local residents and visitors enjoy talented artisans and entrepreneurs who ply their trades with pride and skill, in a congenial environment shared with families, neighbors and friends.
ABOUT THE BAY AREA DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Located in Sausalito, the Bay Area Discovery Museum is a fun, educational destination for children ages 0 – 10 and their families and teachers. Donations to the Museum support our access programs, enabling us to provide more than 20% of visitors with free or reduced admission, as well as our scholarship program, which allows schools serving low-income communities – more than 50% of the schools in the program - the opportunity to participate in our school visit program at the Museum and in their classrooms. http://www.baykidsmuseum.org
ABOUT CHILDREN OF SHELTERS
Based on San Francisco, Children of Shelters’ mission is to connect some of the 2,500 children living in or being supported by family transitional shelters to the enrichment and educational opportunities they need to better their chances at ending a life of poverty. As advocates of the children we serve, we are committed to addressing both their basic and more in-depth needs. From educational support to enrichment activities, our children benefit from growing self-confidence, leadership development and improved education to help them on their way. http://www.childrenofshelters.org
ABOUT EXTRAFOOD
ExtraFood.org's mission is to help end hunger and waste in Marin. In its county-wide food recovery program, ExtraFood picks up excess fresh food and planned donations from any Marin business -- such as grocery stores, farmers' markets, and restaurants -- and immediately delivers the food to nonprofits that serve Marin's most vulnerable children, adults, and families. Prepared food, fresh produce, dairy, eggs, meat, packaged goods, baked goods -- ExtraFood listens to food programs' needs and secures donations that match those needs, helping programs serve more people and provide more complete and healthy meals. In 2 years ExtraFood has delivered more than 390,000 pounds of food -- over 300,000 meals -- to 64 nonprofit sites serving thousands of low-income residents across the county. http://www.ExtraFood.org.
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For more information or photos, please contact:
James S. Rosenfield
Owner, Marin Country Mart
2257 Larkspur Landing Circle
Larkspur, CA 94939
415-461-5714
james(at)marincountrymart(dot)com
