When you step inside a place called the “Market of Curiosities,” you should already know what you’re in for—anything but the ordinary.
And, indeed, the market is unlike the run-of-the-mill Christmas craft show or bazaar. Jam-packed with handmade and vintage offerings by more than 50 vendors, the market entertains holiday shoppers with quirky and unusual gift ideas.
“I want people to scratch their heads first and then realize how amazing these [non-traditional gifts] are,” said Sarah Taby, founder of the Market of Curiosities and owner of Miss Ruth’s Time Bomb vintage shop in Carlisle. “You are going to see really unique things that you wouldn’t find at most craft shows.”
Shoppers can find amusing gifts like pressed young leaves and flowers that are resin cast in metal jewelry by metalledwith; pewter accessories molded around found animal bones and teeth by Martha Rotten; small, upcycled, found-object metal robots by Robot Girl; imaginative plush animals inspired by 1950s-‘60s pop culture by Mod Sew Design; and stationery by “The Society for the Prevention of Psychic Dimming,” a printing business with a stand that at first puzzles, then delights the mind.
Shopping for inimitable gifts and getting in the holiday spirit the hipsterway requires a visit to the Market of Curiosities.
“I describe it as a three-ring circus of shopping, beer tasting and live music,” said Taby.
For Everyone
Last year, the market opened its doors for the first time and welcomed large crowds of shoppers into the historic Carlisle Ribbon Mill, which is the host site again for this year’s market.
“The space is gorgeous, and Carlisle Ribbon Mill was willing and eager to work with me,” said Taby, who estimates that she packed 1,300 people into the historic mill-turned-event facility at the inaugural market.
“It certainly exceeded my expectations,” she said. “I felt really honored that the vendors would take the risk to do this in its first year. When I do this market, I put the vendors first. If we put them first, the crowd will follow.”
With samples of local brews, indie-style music and a vendor selling mustache wax and related products, this market boasts more beards, flannel shirts and tattoos than your traditional holiday outing. This is the vibe that Taby is going for. She describes it as “an odd market for everyone.”
“I have an obsession with all things circus and sideshow, so I just wanted to honor that part of myself. I jokingly say I would love to own a circus, and I like to dress up as a lion tamer for Halloween,” explained Taby, who was bit by the vending bug in high school, when she traveled with her family’s tattoo business to conventions. After putting in some time helping with her family’s booths, she began selling her own vintage jewelry and designs at shows.
“Vending is a circus,” Taby said, laughing. “You are very much a part of that circus lifestyle, like a vagabond or a gypsy.”
On a Limb
Market-goers can even celebrate the carnival atmosphere by stepping into a photo booth to dress the part of circus performers and smile for a humorous photo to take home.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said Taby. “Bring your imagination and don’t expect to know what to expect. Bring a little bit of your childhood curiosity with you.”
For attendees 21 and older, be sure to have your ID along to get a wristband at the door, which is your ticket to tastes from Leaux Dog Brewing Co., Market Cross Pub, Molly Pitcher Brewing Co. and Alibis Eatery and Spirits of Carlisle; Big Hill Ciderworks from Gardners; and Wolf Brewing Co. of Harrisburg. Sip your adult beverages as you shop to music by local bands, including Rivers and Hot Mess, and grab a lobster roll, falafel and more from food vendors.
The Market of Curiosities vendors have something to offer everyone and serve as great inspiration for Taby.
“I really love all of the vendors,” she said. “I feel passionate about their work and am very supportive of them. There are so many vendors who have other jobs, or are stay-at-home [parents] who are incredible, creative forces that do this as a side gig. I am very inspired by them.”
Hosting her market in Carlisle, where she lives and works, was just a natural choice to show off what the artistic, hip town has to offer.
“I think Carlisle is under-appreciated,” concluded Taby. “I thought we could have a cool event like one you would see in a metropolitan area. So, I went out on a limb and did it, mostly because I love Carlisle. It’s a cool place, and I wanted to show it in that way.”
The Market of Curiosities takes place Saturday, Dec. 5, 12 to 8 p.m. at Carlisle Ribbon Mill, 320 E. Louther St., Carlisle. For a full list of vendors, visit www.marketofcuriosities.com.
