Soak up the sights and sounds of Christmas as you meander through our market of sparkling lights, trees, and merry music.
Shop for unique gifts and watch as artisans delight you with live demonstrations. Lace up your skates or head over to the Kid’s Corner. View the lighting of the Town Tree as you enjoy delicious food, beer or hot chocolate. Come back again, and again, to explore all festivities in our beautiful Christmas Marketplace.
Bubba’s Wood
This artist is known by Sammy Harris to his fellow North Rowan High School peers.
Coming from Kodiak, Tennessee, this Smoky Mountain Artisan brings primitive/barnwood nativities, Tobacco Stick trees, Wood clocks, Wooden Flags, and more.
County Line Bakery
County Line Bakery is located in Cleveland, NC.
Cati Nottingham always baked for the holidays and family events with her aunt. After her second baby, she realized her joy for baking could keep her home with her kids, doing what she enjoyed. She started online weekly preorders the beginning of 2022 and is now expanding.
Daughter like Mother
Local artisan, Sarah Casper, creates unique home décor.
Check out her distressed windows, nutcracker shutters, grinch/snowmen ornaments, dog boxes (feeding bowls), word plaques and more.
Denisha Clouse
Denisha creates seasonally based gift baskets and gift sets. She loves to utilize hand crafted items for a personal touch, as well as make each gift basket unique.
She also sells “Blind Date with a Book” which seems to always be a customer favorite.
Debi’s Homespun
Debi Garret is a Spencer original. She creates beautifully hand-crafted felted wool and acrylic hats with exquisite style and color. She also makes ornaments and pine straw baskets.
Debi’s hats have been featured in boutiques in South Carolina. and Asheville, North Carolina.
She conducts workshops in hat making and felting near her home in Travelers Rest, SC.
EvyLights
Laurie Berrier Wood and Sherri Hall have been best friends for over 30 years. When they decided to start their company, they named it EvyLights, derived from the oldest granddaughters, Ivy and Eva. They make seasonal melts, along with high end perfume/cologne dupes, candles, wicked and wickless, specialty candles like mugs and cereal bowls. Air freshener sachets and soaps.
They have over 400 fragrances in rotation, so you are guaranteed to find one you like.
Five Little Dragons
Beautiful crocheted “Stuffies”. Sommer loves to crochet stuffed animals and other fun characters. You don’t want to miss these adorable creations!
She participates in various local events and craft shows.
Find Sommer Medford at
Hindsight
Julie Brown is a master fiber artist. She creates scarves, shawls, guitar straps, bags, totes, wall hangings, placemats, coasters and more.
Her unique business name comes from her talents to play guitar and weave.
Homespun
Culinary Chronomancer for all your home canning needs, get your Jam with personality! Try Homemade jams, jellies, butters, extracts and flavored oils.
Homespun by Betty is a crowd favorite at various festivals around the region. Don’t miss her unique creations.
Kickin’ Boots
Morgan Rogers loves Western wear and offers Tumblers, Freshies, Shirts, Hoodies, and clay earrings. For those Yellowstone Fans, be sure to stop by and check out her merch! Her latest venture is creating balloon arches & more.
Pawsitively Dashing
Julia Early comes to us from Pilot Mountain. She makes handmade pet accessories including over-thecollar bandanas, fur bows, organic catnip toys, pet themed folded book art, and peanut butter dog treats (NCDA registered)
Pawsitively Inspired
Patty Fantetti makes candles. Not just any ordinary candles (well some are) she makes dessert candles; drink candles and makes her own molds to make vessels from concrete. 100% of her profits go to local animal rescues.
Pennie’s Place
Pennie’s is the Place – to shop for Boho bags, wreaths, earrings, ornaments, wallets, tissue covers, zipper bags, glasses cases, toiletry bags, bowl cozies, backpack bags, scrubbies and lanyards. She also makes an assortment of goods with handmade embroidery.
Pop’s Shop
Buzz Curlett is a master at woodworking and his work can be found in the Local Focal Marketplace & Antiques Shop. From beautiful wood lanterns, cutting boards, and signs, to charcuterie boards, checkerboards or coasters, his work displays his wonderful creativity.
Poppy Originals & Sassy Sisters
Poppy Kathryn Dews loves working with polymer clay; her specialty is miniatures. She loves creating dioramas, which will keep you looking at the detail in a plate of sweet treats for Santa, or an entire dinner in miniature, complete with silverware. If you love to collect miniatures or have a special doll house, you will love her work.
Sassy Sisters will offer pens, jewelry and tumblers.
Davison County
These woodcarvers create wonderful works of art. A nonprofit wood carving club for anyone who loves to carve, teach and have fun. They offer lessons for beginners and supply the wood blanks and carving tools.
Many of the members have been carving for 20 years and want to teach the next generation. Make sure you stop by and carve a while! Many of these amazing carvers are veterans which we Salute at Winterfest. Meetings are held every Monday, 7-9pm at Center Hill Baptist Church, Hwy 8 in Lexington, NC
Labrador Forge
Welcome to Labrador Forge, a family-owned blacksmith and bladesmith company located in Salisbury. Chuck Payne and his son, Ethan specialize in making custom knives, forging tools, and blacksmithing items.
He uses traditional blacksmithing techniques to create high-quality, hand- forged knives. Each knife is a unique, functional piece of art.
Chuck will be doing live demos throughout the day at the Winterfest Demonstration Tent.
Ray Richardson
Ray grew up in Teaneck, N.J. He excelled in art throughout high school and at Kean University. He worked in the theme park industry as a caricature artist.
A stroke, caused from sickle cell anemia, claimed the hearing in his left ear and vision in his right eye. After months of physical therapy, his love for art was renewed. His art exemplifies what beauty lies around us that the average man takes for granted.
Ray has been a plein air artist for 20 years.
Carolina Artists Guild
The Carolina Artists Guild was founded in 1990 by working artists for the express purpose of providing opportunities for local artists to be recognized within Rowan County.
The Guild provides opportunities for artists to exhibit their talents and sell their works through participation in community events, and to promote both teaching and learning through Educational Arts Programs, Demonstrations, Shows, Workshops, and Contests.
During Winterfest, they will create easy art projects, for all ages, to make a special object to take home.
Apostle Que
Apostle ‘Que starts with locally sourced, weather aged and dried, hickory, cherry, and apple wood. They hand select quality meats and use the finest of seasonings to create the AQ Rub. And let’s not forget the flavorful AQ Mop Sauce that compliments the ‘Que so well, you may even get a little jealous.
All the ‘Que is smoked on site and hand pulled to order. Their dream is to share their love and passion of ‘Que with you!
December 6 only
Carter’s Craft Meats
Carter’s BBQ brings you dry rubbed BBQ with a Cleveland twist! They pursue the craft of smokes low and slow meats to give you the best experience in taste possible!
They will be serving:
Sloppy Joe BBQ
Hammy Sammy
Smoked Turkey Sandwich
Smoked Lamb Pita
Brisket Chili
Turkey Legs w/ BBQ sauce
Love & Butter
Love & Butter will be offering traditional German Cuisine. Their food is always made with the freshest ingredients and cooked to perfection right before your eyes.
Menu for Winterfest includes:
Baked apple w/ marzipan & hougat
Kaiserschmarn w/ apples
Pork roast sandwich w/ sauerkraut
Kasespatzle/Mac ‘n Cheese
German Baked Goods
December 7 & 8
Stick-It-2-You
Stick-It-2-You has been with Winterfest from the beginning
and is a crowd favorite.
They are dedicated to making delicious food on skewers, Including chicken kebabs, veggie kebabs, beef kebabs and
more.
Contact them for catering all events, parties, weddings, pool parties and more.
Lil Donut Express
The business was started in 1990 by Donna Barnhardt. After her death, the family decided to honor her memory by expanding the donut business that she loved, focusing on special events, festivals and fundraising.
Since 2009, Donna’s children and grandchildren have been involved in making donuts. The company is still in the family and run as a small family business.
“We all love what we do and enjoy bringing mini donuts to events around Cabarrus County.”
Garden Route Coffee
A local, family business that has its roots in South Africa. The owners, Rod and Tina Poplin, served as missionaries along the Garden Route of South Africa for 11 years. They fell in love with the local coffee culture and began to have an appreciation for quality coffee.
They desire to make a difference in their community and across the world. “Not only do we want to expose people to delicious coffee, but to also use it as a tool to build redemptive relationships with people.” A portion of their proceeds go to help fund ministries for the people along the Garden Route.
Cauble Creek
A local estate family-owned vineyard and winery that specializes in raising and producing native Muscadine varieties of grapes. Their wines are produced from estate grapes and neighboring estate Vinifera grapes raised in NC: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Viognier.
Their goal is to offer visitors to the vineyard a wonderful experience, quality food and wine products, while proudly promoting agritourism in our community of Salisbury and Rowan County.
New Sarum
Born in the heart of Salisbury, New Sarum Brewing derives its name from the original settlement name of Salisbury’s Sister City “Old Sarum” England.
The company is based on a basic principle, creating great craft beer. Each recipe begins with a study of an individual style of beer, searching history for proved and tested methods of creating the foundation. Full-body beers are created in a consistently high quality standard that sets them apart from the competition.
109 N Lee Street, Salisbury, NC
Friday, December 6, 2024
Rowdy Rowan
Under the direction of Reneé Collins.
This group is comprised of dancers with all levels of experience. Most have been dancing for many years.
They love all genres of music and enjoy performing for events.
Classes are on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm. at the American Legion Post 342, 1024 Lincolnton Rd., Salisbury.
Dimensions Dance
Dimensions Dance Arts is a studio for everyone. They provide fun, energetic, professional and technically correct dance training with a wide variety of classes. Beginning with the age of 3, they accept all ages, including adults.
They offer group discounts so the whole family can enjoy.
Located on Main Street in Rockwell.
Josh Sanders
Josh Sanders is a rising star in the country music scene, known for his heartfelt performances and genuine storytelling. Hailing from the small town of Kannapolis, NC, Josh’s musical journey began in the church band, led by his father, where he played bass guitar and drums as a child. Thereafter, he spent his late teens and early 20s performing with various rock bands on Rock Legends cruise ships for Lynyrd Skynyrd and venues up and down the East Coast. Josh continues to inspire fans with his authentic sound, powerful performances and heartfelt storytelling, making him a beloved figure in country music and beyond.
Ricky Howsare
Originally from Bedford, PA, Ricky has been touching the lives of many through his gift of music for over 15 years! He has performed in musicals such as Godspell, Guys & Dolls, and Anything Goes, as well as various operas including The Old Maid & the Thief and The Magic Flute. Ricky acquired a Bachelor’s of Music from the University of Louisville. He has performed alongside recording artists such as The Lettermen, The Platters, gospel singer Larry Ford, and more. In 2014, Ricky was awarded the NATS Opera Award for his vocal division. Ricky spent two consecutive years as a resident performer at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA.
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Middleshire
Middleshire performs a blend of cover tunes and originals in an indie folk style. Some of the songs they play are from other genres, but their arrangements cast them in an innovative light.
Gary Combs
Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle
Darrell Brown
Vocals, Guitar
Jef Coburn
Vocals, Guitar, Pennywhistle,
Percussion
Salisbury Dance
Salisbury Dance Academy provides a nurturing, challenging, and educational environment for students. They are home of the Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre and specialize in teaching Classical Ballet. Classes include Classical Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Modern, Lyrical, Musical Theater, and Progressing Ballet Technique® methodology.
Piedmont Community
The region’s premiere community band and the only adult concert band in the Charlotte area of NC.
The PCB is a performance oriented, non-profit 501c(3) organization comprised of volunteer musicians.
Musicians range in age from high school students to silver seniors.
PCB’s mission is to make ongoing instrumental music performance opportunities available to people of all ages who have previous experience in high school, college or other community organizations.
The Moonglows
The MOONGLOWS are a six-part vocal harmony group that specializes in all genres of vocal group music, performing live shows in and around Salisbury. The Moonglows have quickly become Salisbury’s premier vocal harmony group and a fixture at many local music performances.
Formed in 2017, this versatile new singing group includes Kent Bernhardt, John Brincefield, Bill Bucher, Carol Harris, Kay Peeler and Ann Dandison. Each member has a wide variety of live music and theatre experience, both locally and elsewhere.
Radical Pursuit
Radical Pursuit is an arm of the music ministry at The Reach Church Salisbury. The group is comprised of singers and musicians, birthed in worship and radical praise. The group fosters and operates in authentic and free worship by the leading of the Holy Spirit. The group ministers each week on Wednesday and Sunday services at 722 W. Horah St, Salisbury, NC. They also support the ministry of Pastor Taylor traveling to engagements across the states. Radical Pursuit aims to introduce God Almighty to every living soul sharing the goodness of our Lord through song. Grateful to share their gifts, praise is what they do.
Kindred Spirits
The Kindred Spirits Praise Band is a performing group from Bethel United Methodist Church on Long Ferry Rd in Salisbury.
The group is made up of 6 members and they perform a lot of K-Love music as well as Christian parodies of songs everyone knows.
Getting to make music for God is a blessing for each one of us!
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Nebulux Music School
Rowan County’s #1 music education facility, located in Spencer, NC opened in June of 2016 and has been bringing music into the lives of many.
Their personalized training, consistence, and fun atmosphere keeps the people of Rowan coming in! They offer private training in various instruments, group projects and band opportunities.
Phoenix Readers
The Phoenix Readers are seasoned actors who bring to life unexpected words.
This group of 55 & older dramatic readers is a program of Art & Soul Rowan, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, founded in 1995 by Dr. J. Daniel Brown under the name “Center for Faith & the Arts”. Twentynine years later, Art & Soul continues his vision.
The new name, Art & Soul Rowan and the visual of the new logo is uplifting, opening the door so everyone feels welcome and joins together in creating a more vibrant community.
To The Pointe
The goal of To the Pointe Dance Company is to teach quality dance and tumbling classes, in an encouraging environment, where students build self esteem and develop their talents. They want students to grow as dancers and be excited for a positive class experience.
A wide variety of classes are offered for students ages 3 and up, for the Beginner to the Advanced Student.
Divided by Four
A hometown favorite and regional sensation, in a resonating mixture of Motown, Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Funk, ’70s hits, and classic rock.
Gerald Knox,
Lead guitarist & bass vocalist Roland Reid, Guitar Jerome Heggins
Lead vocals & percussion Nate Thompson Lead vocals & percussion Alan Wyrick Guitar,
Keyboard & backing vocals Jimbo Martin Drums & backing vocals
The Amazing Mr. Archer
It started one Christmas season when a book entitled How to Make Balloon Cartoons was in his stocking. Balloon twisting techniques kept him intrigued for hours. When his aunt took him to a baseball game, he made balloons instead of watching the game. It was not long before a flood of children and adults asked him to make dogs, teddy bears, etc. Since that day, he has made balloon twisting his professional career for over 20 years.
Saturday, Dec 7, 4:00 – 8:00pm
Sunday, Dec 8, 3:00 – 5:00pm
Gingerbread House
One of the most popular activities for kids during Winterfest.
Santa’s Bakeshop at the Kids Corner will be buzzing with creativity as the little ones decorate their own Gingerbread house.
Create Ugly Sweaters
Our Crafty Crew will help you create an ugly sweater. Bring your own sweater or sweatshirt or choose from the limited number we have on hand.
Enjoy strutting around Winterfest wearing your Ugly Sweater creation.
Christmas Crafts
Our crafty elves have planned lots of fun crafts. Kids may make dazzling ornaments with jeweled stickers on snowmen and trees, or other easy to make crafts.
Various Christmas themed coloring sheets will also be available throughout the festival.
Jingle Bell Games
Whether throwing a snowball or tossing a ring, kids will have a blast in the Jingle Bell game tent.
Children of all ages are welcome to join us! They will receive a free entry stamp into the Games Tent. At the end of the games, the child may choose a prize. (while supplies last, limit one prize per day per child).
Winterfest
The Spencer Postal Service has a special type of Santa, named Sheila, who handwrites an answer to letters that kids write to Santa.
Winterfest has its own special postmark, so bring your letters or Christmas cards to be hand stamped.
The Spencer Post Office has received multiple requests for envelopes bearing our stamp from out-of-state.