A Fifth Annual Tradition, Ugly Christmas Market Coming to Bridgeport Farmers Market Next Sunday
By Julie Perine on December 09, 2018 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
It's been tagged the Ugly Christmas Sweater Market and it's happening a week from today at Bridgeport Conference Center. A fifth annual tradition of Bridgeport Farmers Market, the event will be held 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. and will feature dozens of vendors selling items ideal for the holiday dinner table and under the 
Christmas tree.
"We challenge you to wear your ugliest holiday attire while shopping local for your holiday feast and gifts," said Debbie Workman of Bridgeport Farmers Market board of directors. "You'll find seasonal produce, farm-raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, baked goods, artisan products and more."
Pottery, wood-crafted items, bath and beauty products and jewelry are just a few of the gift items available for purchase. And for those who can’t decide just what item to buy, gift certificates are another option, Workman said.
A couple of the unique artisans include Gypsy Hollow featuring jewelry and outdoor accents. Among the vendor's most popular items are amethyst and rose quartz geometric-shaped pendants symbolizing harmony and balance. Patty's Paca Products carries socks, hats, gloves and other items made of alpaca fleece.
Other artisans at Bridgeport Farmers Market include Feathered Shoppe Vintage Clothing, Gum's Hollow Apothecary, Jughead Pottery, House on the Hill Soap Co., Knot Just Art, The Pretty Pickle Jewelry, Tanner Leather Works, WV Herb Association, Whimsical What-Nots, Wild Sage Herbals and Z&Z Woodcrafters.
Pickles, mustard, preserves and salsa will be available from Sunny Hollow Farm and another special interest vendor - Heelbilly Hound Dog Treats - sells plenty of goodies for four-legged friends.
Brunch will be available for purchase and a Bloody Mary bar open for those more interested in kicking back and relaxing than shopping. Providing festive tunes, as well as some folk, bluegrass and jazz, will be Alex Heflin and John Posey
Market representatives ask shoppers to give back with one small gesture that adds up annually to a major collection of food.
“We are asking everyone to bring one non-perishable food item that will be donated to our local food pantry, The Shepherd's Corner,” Workman said. “Join us and celebrate a local holiday tradition with your family and friends.”
Workman encourages locals to wrap in their coziest, colorful holiday sweaters and head to Bridgeport Conference Center Dec. 16 for some unique shopping and community fun.
The winter market will continue the second Sundays – 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. – through January, February, March and April, after which the market will transtition to its outdoor summer season.
