Orion’s Attic Opens Holiday Market in Silver Spring
If you are on the lookout for handmade gifts for your holiday shopping list, head over to the Flower Avenue Holiday Market, which launched this Saturday, November 26. The Market is located in the parking lot at the Flower Avenue Shopping Center in Silver Spring’s Long Branch area and is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM from November 26 to December 24. It features local vendors offering:
- used books
- bric-a-brac
- antique furniture and artwork
- gift baskets
- hand crocheted hats and other garments by Afrochet
- handmade ocean glass and wooden bead jewelry made by women from Ghana
- services from Sarah Gingold, a local clothing artist who helps customers learn how to sew their own garments
But, this market is more than just a money-making proposition for its founders, Christopher Lancette, co-owner of Orion’s Attic, and Won-ok Kim. They envision the market as a way to engage the business community and local residents. “We hope to make the holiday market a must-visit Saturday shopping event and a community showcase,” says Lancette, whose home-based antique and flea market business is dedicated to making a profit and a difference.
“This is another tremendous opportunity for people to buy good stuff and do great things. The money people spend will go right back into the Long Branch community.”
And that’s not all.
Orion’s Attic also donates a percentage of its profits to House With A Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary and IMPACT Silver Spring, which is helping potential vendors by providing micro business loans.
Thanks to Greg Fernebok, owner of the Flower Avenue Shopping Center, Orion’s Attic is donating its rental fee for the parking lot space to support IMPACT’s economic empowerment work in the Long Branch community. “I like the spirit of what Orion’s Attic is doing,” says Gregory Fernebok, owner of the Flower Avenue Shopping Center and the parking lot where the market is hosted. “I welcome budding entrepreneurs who are trying to make a difference in our area.”
Based on Saturday’s turn out, and support from Paul Grenier of the Long Branch Business League and others, it looks as if the idea is paying off. “There is a lot to celebrate in today’s Long Branch and this entrepreneurial private sector venture is a welcome addition to the fabric of the community,” says Reemberto Rodriguez, director of the Silver Spring Regional Center.
What’s next: Keep up with new additions to the vendor list and other updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/orionsattic and on Twitter @orionsattic #FlowerAveMarket.
The Market is located in the parking lot at 8809 Flower Avenue, which is part of the Flower Avenue Shopping Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Center is at the corner of at the corner of Flower Avenue and Arliss Street (near Piney Branch Road).
Photo Credit: Summer Whitford
Category: MORE EVENTS, SHOPPING EVENTS, SPECIAL OCCASION EVENTS
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