Wickham Works Holiday Market draws record crowds
WARWICK — Last year the Town of Warwick completely renovated an event facility, the Quality of Life Building, created by correction officers when it operated as the former Mid-Orange Correctional facility, and renamed it "Wickham Woodlands Manor."
On Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24 - 25, a month long "Made Local" initiative kicked off with the Wickham Works' Holiday Market at Wickham Woodlands Manor, 255 State School Road.
More than 30 vendorsIn addition to a large outdoor pavilion the almost 3,700-square-foot Wickham Woodlands Manor building housed the popular "Makers Market."
The Thanksgiving weekend event featured more than 30 vendors with clothing, body care products, jewelry, blown glass ornaments, metal arts, leather and turned wooden goods, ceramics, holiday decorations and fresh wreaths, art made from reclaimed materials, and more.
Shoppers also had an opportunity to enjoy seasonal brews from Pennings Farm Cidery, eat wood-fired pizza topped with locally grown ingredients from Emily's Hearth and listen to musician Mary Hood play songs from her new album.
There was also a glass blowing competition, art raffles and artisan demonstrations.
More than 1,000 peopleJudged by the number of cars parked on both sides of the road from the Wickham Woodlands Manor to State School Road and the coming and going of numerous shoppers, the event was highly successful.
Melissa Shaw-Smith, creative director at Wickham Works, estimates attendance at more than 1,000 people.
Throughout the holiday shopping season, stores and other retail outlets in the area that carry locally made products are encouraged to display the Love Local poster and decal.
- Roger Gavan