The Kidz Entrepreneur Holiday Market will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Tringali Barn in St. Augustine, located at 7310 U.S. 1 South. This will be one of the area’s largest indoor markets. Admission is free.
The event features more than 45 youth vendors ages 4 to 17 who will offer handmade items and gift items — perfect for holiday shopping. Items will include art, jewelry, dog treats, candles, sweet treats, crocheted items and other handmade items. Santa and his helpers will also be giving out cookies to all. Guests are asked to bring cash for gift buying, as some youth vendors do not yet have digital payment systems.
Organized by Tyrone Bennett of We Feed Inc. and Heart & Soul Food Truck, the first Kidz Entrepreneur Fairs were held in June and July at the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center.
“I wanted to organize an event where kids get an opportunity to sell items they have created to the general public,” Bennett said. “It’s the mission of focusing on young entrepreneurs and driving innovation and creativity. I feel that this has not been readily available here in the Northeast Florida region. I would like to put together an entrepreneur’s weekend retreat for kids, with workshops and break-out sessions led by area business owners and entrepreneurs. At the end, they would graduate.”
Family activities at the market will include pictures and cookies with Santa and his elves, a holiday cooking demonstration by Chef Chip Richard of Cap’s on the Water, a Nutcracker Performance by Saint Augustine Ballet, bounce houses, face painting and a holiday visit by Sheriff Rob Hardwick.
“We have bakers, pink sauce makers, lemonade, make-up and candy makers, just to name a few,” Bennett said. “My plan for this event was to get a room full with about 60 kids with different creations, coming together and offering our community a new market during the holidays. We must push our youth to be creatives and bring out the best in them.”
The Saucey Pig food truck will offer food during the event, with a portion of sales supporting a local charity.
Lunch and drinks for the youth vendors will be provided for free by Sonny's BBQ.
Hosts include The Tringali Barn, Totally St. Augustine and We Feed Inc. Sponsors include Chris Shee, MasterCraft Builder Group, Sonny's BBQ and Bailey Insurance Group.
