The fourth annual Christmas Market at Market Brewing Company has been declared a success after more than 2,000 pounds of food were collected for the Newmarket Food Pantry.
The market was held Nov. 27. Admission was free, but attendees were required to contribute a non-perishable food item or a $5 donation to get in.
"The response from the community was absolutely incredible," the brewery's Piers Simpkin said in a news release.
Last year when they held the market, they collected 1,186 pounds in food donations and $645. They were able to deliver it in a pick-up truck, but this year they needed three vehicles to move all the donations.
"This year the staff arrived in three separate vehicles to drop off a staggering 2,200 pounds in food donations plus an additional $1,160 in cash donations," Simpkin said. "The staff at Market Brewing were in awe and humbled to deliver everything to the Newmarket Food Pantry but it wouldn't have been possible without a team effort by all who attended. After such tough times in recent memory, the donations will be able to help many in need in the coming months."
Adrian Bain, executive director at the Newmarket Food Pantry said they are grateful for the donations they receive this time of year.
"Our community steps up, they respond every opportunity they can, especially around Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays. The generosity and support is overwhelming. We’ve seen so many food drives recently," he said.
On top of the food drive element, the market featured 21 vendors for folks to shop local. They had goods like clothing, artwork, ornaments, and more.
"Vendors were selling all day with some having to get family members to run home and replenish their stock," Simpkin said.
They also had Wickedly Sinful on site to provide food and live music from Kevin Foster.
"The support for all involved was astounding and it truly reinforces how lucky we are to have the type of people we do in this community," Simpkin said.
He added they are already looking forward to their fifth market next year and hope to raise even more.
