Shop till you drop at Kris Kringle Nov. 28-29

The annual Kris Kringle Craft and Vendor Fair is Nov. 28-29. Organizer Stefanie Doaty said she is excited about this year’s event. 

“I think it’s the best one so far,” Doaty said. 

With 46 vendors and a half dozen on a waitlist, the fair is the largest craft fair  Hill City has. 

“It’s really awesome,” Doaty said. “This used to be in the old senior center. Ranae Schrier moved it to the school. It was in the cafeteria gym. Then, it went to the Burden gym. When I took it over, I was like, ‘We’re gonna utilize both gyms.’” 

Doaty said it’s the only two-day craft fair in Hill City and that attendance is usually over 300 people. 

“People flock to Hill City. It’s the Hallmark town,” she said.

Doaty said the event is great for businesses and a fun two days for everyone. 

“My vendors come from Nebraska, Wyoming, North Dakota, East River and the Northern Hills. I’ve got a lot of local vendors too,” said Doaty. 

She estimates 30-35 percent of vendors are new to the show.

Doaty is excited about all her vendors, but particularly about a Build A Bear type of vendor, Teddy Bear Mobile. 

“It’s great for all ages. You pick out the outer stuffed animal part and dress them up and make them look like your own,” she said. 

Foodwise, Doaty said her most unique vendor might be Mimi’s Minis from Edgemont, who is serving up a build your own cake bar along with cheesecake bites and chocolate dipped pretzels. 

Two local authors, Megan Kinney and Carol Kjar, will also be on hand.

“The vendors are all unique in their own way,” Doaty said, pointing out there is something for everyone, from handmade rope bowls to windchimes, wool products, vintage items, jewelry, quilts, clothing and more.

To get people to visit as many booths as possible, Doaty has placed hidden elves amongst her vendors, and those that find them can win prizes for doing so. She also keeps her vendors happy by feeding them two meals both days. 

Kris Kringle is also an opportunity to support local organizations, like the Hill City Music Booster Club, which is selling walking tacos, cinnamon rolls and silent auction items as a fundraiser. 

The Saturday event coincides with Small Business Saturday, and the hours allow people to shop at the craft fair while also supporting the businesses on Main Street. 

“These are the businesses that care about you. We want to support these small businesses,” she said. 

There will also be a harpist playing Christmas themed music throughout the day.

Friday shopping at the Kris Kringle Craft and Vendor fair begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m., giving people a chance to grab dinner before the Old Tyme Christmas Parade. Saturday shopping hours are from 9-3. 

Admission both days is free, but donations for the Hill City Purse Project, which supports Cornerstone Women’s Home in Rapid City and Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE) in Custer, are greatly appreciated. These include personal toiletries and hygiene products, plush animals for children, flashlights, jewelry and gum or mints.