Wadena Christmas Festival combines arts and crafts expo, Small Business Saturday

Wadena makes it easy to shop local for the holiday season at the 48th Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Festival on Saturday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 1. The annual event coincides with Small Business Saturday and provides an opportunity for area artists and crafters to share unique Christmas gifts and hard-to-find items with eager shoppers as the holiday shopping season formally kicks off. 

Shopping local matters to Wadena businesses

For many small businesses, revenue attributed to Christmas shopping is crucial to meeting annual sales goals. In a November 2023 small business study, half of the respondents reported 25% or more of their annual revenue stems from holiday purchases, and in challenging economic times, the need for strong seasonal returns increases.

Dana Cantleberry, Executive Director for the Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce, said this year’s summer and fall seasons could have been faster for local retailers and restaurants.

“As a chamber, we’re coming up with creative ways to bring people in, especially from out-of-town,” Cantleberry continued. “We’ve been doing shopping promotions, dining promotions, and also events like the Christmas Festival.” 

Wadena Christmas Festival blends commerce and festive fun

“The majority of vendors are the at-home crafters, woodworkers, bakers, or they make jelly or maple syrup,” Cantleberry explains. “There are a lot of homemade goods like soaps, lotions, and earrings, but in the last few years, we have also had a lot of pop-up clothing vendors with fun, trendy clothing. In small towns, many people order clothing online or shop in big cities. It’s nice to see more clothing vendors providing a local alternative.”

As businesses sell their wares, an added layer of merriment unfolds at the festival, according to Cantleberry. In common areas, shoppers step aside and mingle while savoring holiday goodies and queuing for free horse-drawn wagon rides. Dancers from the children’s studio perform, and local musicians and piano students lend their talents to the event as the scent of kettlecorn drifts across the gym. In a word, the atmosphere is “Christmassy,” and it creates the perfect backdrop for locating one-of-a-kind gifts. 

Changes to the Wadena Christmas Festival for 2024

The 2023 festival in Wadena hosted 74 vendors, and increased participation necessitated finding a new festival home this year. Organizers selected the Wadena-Deer Creek Middle/High School to provide shoppers with a larger common area, increased floor space in the gym, and more free parking. The festival is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission to the arts and crafts expo is $3 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Adults can save $1 on the entry fee by donating a non-perishable food item at the event. Donations will help support local food shelves.

Small Business Saturday extends across Wadena

Before or after shopping the expo, Cantleberry encourages visitors to explore downtown Wadena and support local retailers on Small Business Saturday. The majority of local businesses will be open and ready to welcome visitors and regular customers.

West Central Economic Development Alliance supports businesses throughout Wadena County and the surrounding area. Visit www.thealliancemn.org or call 218-837-5950 to discuss your business goals and learn how WCEDA can help.