Shop Mod during Saturday holiday fair

A thoroughly modern melding of Modesto-area artisans and small businesses in downtown on Saturday, Nov. 28, offers shoppers an opportunity to pledge their retail independence.

The Mod Shop Indie Crafters Market expands this year to about 75 vendors set up at various locations on J Street. It joins other purveyors also opening their doors for the Small Business Saturday movement, which encourages people to shop at independent retailers the weekend after Thanksgiving.

“We want to encourage people to shop local, and shop small business, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving,” Mod Shop co-organizer Kate Trompetter said in an email interview. “Mod Shop is one way to do that, and we hope hundreds, if not thousands, of people join us. Mod Shop or not, we want to encourage people to shop any small business on this day.”

It will mark the third Indie Crafters Market, which sprouted from the now-defunct but similarly popular Hand Born Modern Craft Bazaar. This year, the market – from organizers Trompetter, Ruhi Sheikh and Tricia Rosenow – centers its wares at locally owned restaurant Galletto.

“Galletto has generously offered up their gorgeous patio space to our vendors,” Sheikh said. “We have a lot more vendors, which gives our shoppers a variety of eclectic choices.”

Mod Shop shopping will spread out at other J Street businesses and organizations as well, including Peer Recovery Art Project and its adjacent Mod Spot, Concetta, Mira’s Bridal, Deva Café, Mistlin Gallery and Preservation Coffee & Tea.

“We have a diverse group this year,” Rosenow said of the participating crafters, adding that shoppers will find a variety of wares: paintings, stationery, jewelry, home decor, bath and body, ceramics, leather goods, furniture, knit and crochet items, children’s items, terrariums and more.

Mod Shop also highlights and supports a local nonprofit. This year, Camp Jack Hazard will receive all proceeds raised by a raffle at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. “Funds raised will support their scholarship fund for students in our community who would otherwise not be able to afford the benefits of camping and outdoor education,” Sheikh said.

Returning this year to the indie fair will be Teen Mod Shop, launched at the 2014 event. Ten teenage crafters will set up at Mistlin Gallery to sell their creations.

“We received tons of wonderful feedback from teens and their families and from community members,” Sheikh said of last year’s fledgling offshoot. “The quality of their work was amazing and people really loved chatting with these ambitious teens about their products. A few of the teens even sold out.”

Local musicians will busk the streets to keep shopping jolly. Patty Castillo Davis, Jim Wells and Irene Carillio, among others, will offer “sounds ranging from rock ’n’ roll to trumpeted holiday carols, to indie folk,” Trompetter said. “There will be something for everyone.”

Trompetter hopes the community turns out for the spirit of the day.

“We just want people to come out. Bring your friends and your family. Eat at a local restaurant. Get something warm to drink. Go ice skating,” she said. “There is so much happening in downtown Modesto on the 28th.”

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 10:33 AM with the headline "Shop Mod during Saturday holiday fair."