Sowa Holiday Market

The 5th Annual SoWa Holiday Market had another successful weekend in Boston's South End neighborhood. Artisans from all over New England gathered December 13th and December 14th to share their various crafting talents with the public.

Cathedral High School and Union Park served as base of operations for over 80 vendors who sold and marketed sophisticated wears.

The vendors from around New England offered accessories, ceramics, fine art, glass, childrens and health spa products. The market entrance fee was five dollars and it was a place to browse local artists' creations or simply network with the community.

Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to buy tickets and participate in the Cell Phone Santa drawing. These tickets were obtained upon entry and your cell phone number and name was written on tickets for drawings that occurred every fifteen minutes. Prizes were displayed and changed on each drawing.

"This was such a neat way to keep you involved in the market" said Dorah O'Brian of the South Shore of Massachusetts. The Cell Phone Santa raffle also benefited the Washington Gateway.

Small retail shops such as Motley, which is located in the South End offer retro designed collegiate and rock style t-shirts. The clothing catered to all ages, especially for the hip urban crowd.

At the SoWa event, Motley owner Doug Palardy, who has participated as a vendor for four years, displayed more small domestic style items.

Crystal Hanehan who operates Vintage by Crystal in Boston area, had a mixture of ornaments and figures that were styled for all seasons and occasions.

"My style is along the Victorian, German and Turn of the Century," Hanehan said. As a first year participant of the SoWa Holiday market, she said she would participate in next year's festivities.

The SoWa Holiday Market evolved from what is now known as an area of Boston's South End as south of Washington St. The artist's lofts and galleries grew over time all year round and saw success in a part of the city that normally was declining over the years.

As this area grew, other markets such as the Prudential Center Market opened up for the Fall seasons and SoWa Holiday market catered to the holiday season.

Sponsors of the event included GTI Properties, Mix 98.5 radio, and Mayor's Office of Arts/Tourism & Special Events.

Proceeds from vendor application and booth fees benefitted the Washington Gateway which is the main throughway of Boston's South End/Lower Roxbury to the downtown Boston area. Washington Gateway oversees development, which helps create proper urban renewal, preservation and renovate the historic area.