The dreary, wintry weather wasn't enough to keep people away from the Krugerville Farmers Market on Sunday.
A snowball fight, Singing Santa and 40 vendors made the day special with holiday cheer.
'It's not the turnout we hoped for, but we're appreciative of everybody who came,' volunteer Shay Lang said. 'It's hard to come out in this weather, because it was raining until 11. But we've had a steady turnout. The city really supported us with the lights.'
The vendors varied from baked pies to preserved specimens.
'Especially during the holidays, this is a lot of fun,' said Morgan Loftin of Pinned Ptera. 'My family and I are here together, and we enjoy it.'
Her lifelong love of insects turned into a business after her husband, Micah, preserved a butterfly that matched the one they saw during a special experience at a butterfly conservatory for Morgan as a gift.
'When I framed it, a lot of people gave us positive feedback,' Morgan said.
Their sales at markets, including one in Denton, turned the side business into a full business.
The creatures used in the display come from farms in South America and eastern Asia.
'They pass naturally in captivity, and they're packaged— they press them in wax paper,' Morgan said.
Sunday was her second time at the Krugerville market.
'It was really easy to sign up and get started,' she said. 'I think this was a great event. The organizers did a great job.'
Few booths away, Allyson Pitre was selling merchandise including stickers and shirts bearing her hand-drawn art to help her achieve a big goal.
'I am selling these to be able to go back to school and do art therapy,' she said. 'And, you know, education is expensive. I'm trying to be able to afford it.'
Pitre has been a consistent vendor since she first came to the market in the summer to sell the goods she began making in February.
'It's affordable, because some of the markets are getting kind of expensive,' she said. 'And then the people are really great. I love the other vendors. They're really encouraging and kind.'
For Brandy Hickman, the market was her first outside of her neighborhood to sell the crafts she makes, including wreaths, felted hearts and wood signs.
'It's been fun and exciting, scary—all of the things,' she said, sharing that she also had a positive experience.
The vendors also served as customers going back and forth from each other's booths and buying goodies from one another.
The Krugerville Farmers Market has been growing since its inception, and it features goods from local makers and growers only.
For customer Elizabeth Thompson, who was there with her husband Andrew Werst and their son Eli Thompson-Werst, being able to support local businesses at the market is what draws her back.
'It's just so nice having stuff like this so close,' she said. '… We love to shop local when we can.'
As she said, 'I was hoping to do a Santa picture, but,' Eli started calling, 'Santa, where are you?' and then 'Let's go get him.'
They made their way to Singing Santa, who tried again to get a photo with the toddler.
