Holiday market in Bloomington urges retail enthusiasts to shop local for the holidays

Sunday in Bloomington the Holiday Market Show brought together hundreds of creators, makers, craftsmen, and artists. (Photo courtesy: Heart of Illinois ABC)

By Heart of Illinois-ABC

BLOOMINGTON – When holiday shopping is done locally, it contributes more to the local economy. It promotes job growth, pays local taxes to help local schools and infrastructure, and helps those small businesses grow.

Sunday in Bloomington the Holiday Market Show brought together hundreds of creators, makers, craftsmen, and artists.

“This month there’s certainly a holiday slant to it. A lot of Christmas decorations. A lot of greenery. A lot of collectibles, unique, handmade art,” explained Michael Raycraft who helped promote the event.

Much like a flea market, there was a little bit of everything. Fol art, furniture, vintage sports memorabilia, and clothing just to name a few.

So next time you contemplate adding an item to your cart on Amazon, ask yourself if you can find this same item at a local business. For more information about the market you can visit their Facebook page here.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…