1 day Ago By Santa Maria Times Staff Report
Machado Plaza will host the first Holiday Market featuring a festive celebration of the holiday season — an event the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department plans to make an annual tradition. According to the department, the free community event will blend holiday cheer with local craftsmanship and family fun to create a memorable experience for all ages. Planned for the evening of Saturday, Dec.
21 at the plaza, located about a block from Main and Broadway, the market will host local vendors, a snow-hill and will be the starting point for trolley tours of houses and businesses included in the Lights, Sights and Holiday nights contest. Slated to run from 5 p.m.
to 9 p.m., rain or shine, the market will also host a special visit from Santa Claus.
Scheduled activities include: Hour-long trolley tours of the 2024 Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights winners are $5, and tickets may be purchased at the event or in advance at www.santamariaatplay.org/2024-machado-plaza-holiday-market.
html . The event offers an opportunity for the community to support local artisans, enjoy festive activities, and celebrate the spirit of the season with family and friends, according to the city. Parking is available in the neighborhood surrounding Machado Plaza, 224 West Chapel St.
, and at the nearby Santa Maria Town Center West. The Recreation and Parks Department is also accepting vendor applications for the event. Small businesses interested in participating can complete the vendor application online at www.
cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/recreation-and-parks-5013 . Application fees range from $25 to $50.
Space is limited and the application deadline is Dec. 6. The plaza, previously named Chapel Street Plaza , was redesignated to honor longtime city employee Teresa Machado in 2023.
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