JENKS, Okla. – On Saturday, Nov 18 The Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Onefire Holding hosted a Native Christmas Market at the Jenks Riverwalk. The market took place from 3-7 p.m. and featured a variety of outdoor vendors selling arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, food, and seasonal holiday decorations.
(Meredith Johnson/MM)
The warm afternoon turned cooler after sundown, allowing shoppers to enjoy the lights along the river while noshing on kettle corn from 5C Kettle Corn or delectables from Freeze Dried Candy by Kristina Vanerhoff. Coffee from Frost Bites and Java Delights made the evening chill less chilly.
The Tulsa Carolers entertained shoppers by strolling and singing through the market festooned in Victorian holiday costumes. The a capella quartet sang classic Christmas songs and hymns, at times stopping and asking for special requests.
Musician Brice Reheard was on the mainstage playing Christmas songs as well as other music.
Shops at the Riverwalk were open as well. The Melting Pot beckoned market goers with chocolate fondue samples.
While this is the first year a holiday market has been hosted at the Riverwalk, the hope from organizers is that it will become an annual event on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
The past year has seen an increase in Mvskoke presence at the Riverwalk with murals and artwork by Johnnie Diacon, Joe Hopkins and Starr Hardridge. The partnership between MCN and OneFire was a natural fit as event organizer ShaVon Agee explained, “We were ready to coordinate something, an event together, and the cards fell into place.”
While the Native Market took place on the 18th, shoppers can still enjoy the holiday atmosphere at the Riverwalk. The Christmas on the Riverwalk community event on Dec 2 from 5-8 p.m. will feature live music and a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus. The Christmas couple will be available for a free photo with guests and will perform “Twas the Night before Christmas” on the main stage at 6 p.m. For more information, visit Christmas on the Riverwalk.
