There’s a saying on St. Thomas, “Sibs for one can’t be done.” It seems the same holds true for the Northside Christmas Market as they took over Sibs’ parking lot Sunday for their third year.
Local vendors set up their tents ready for shoppers to enjoy the merchandise they had to offer. Two forms of entertainment also spread holiday magic throughout the parking lot while locals and tourists walked around enjoying what was for sale while chatting with each other along the way.
The St. Thomas All Stars Steel Orchestra played holiday favorites and had people grooving to the sounds of the steel pans, while the “Accordion Man,” Oleik Ledee, had people stopping by for a quick dance to local beats.
Wenceslas Smith was selling her homemade tarts. She offered coconut, pineapple and guava. Many might recognize Smith as she can often be found at Four Corners selling tarts from the back of her van.
Lisa Quetel was back again this year, helping shoppers pick the perfect piece of hand-crafted jewelry.
The Coquito was flowing all afternoon and it was definitely a crowd favorite. This year’s market featured two vendors showing off their skills for making the festive Caribbean drink.
Colette Berry, owner of the local business Inscriptions by Berry, is also passionate about making Coquito. Many people flocked to her table to taste test her original flavor as well as pistachio.
Lourdes Carrasquillo Bezares of Kokito also offered samples of her homemade Coquito. While Coquito is an alcoholic beverage, Carrasquillo Bezares also makes a version called “Innocent,” which is alcohol-free. She also includes a dairy-free option so everyone can enjoy this holiday favorite.
Bianca Bradshaw of For the Love of Suga can be found selling her natural skincare products at many of the holiday bazaars. This year, one of her new scrubs helps celebrate the holidays with a scent note of pine.
Erika Lopez of Cheerful Cherry Studios loves to make outfits for fur babies. This year, her holiday bandanas that fit right over a pet’s collar are a big hit.
Dobby, an adorable dog, showed off the handmade work of Cheerful Cherry Studios by showing off her tutu made by Lopez.
The Christmas market also featured young vendors who enjoy running a business and having customers, especially kids, leave with a smile.
Best friends Kinsley Taylor, 13 and Elowyn Bryan, 12, started K and E Cake Pops when they were eleven years old. Their cake pops can be found at three coffee shops on St. Thomas, along with Fruit Bowl and Northshore Deli on St. John.
Xiomy Encarnacion, 11, owner of Xiomy’s Bowtique, has been in business since she was eight years old. Encarnacion makes specialty bows and accessories of different colors and designs.
The Bushman, who goes by the name Culture, had his hand-weaved baskets, wooden water pipes and flutes, and homegrown local fruits for sale.
A wide array of crystals, sage, books on spirituality, witchcraft, herbalism, and locally-made jewelry were displayed from Sage Sanctuary, owned by Angelica Carby.
Lourdes Aguila, the well-known lead singer for the local band Lourdes and the Switch, took a break from singing to sell her homemade watercolor greeting cards.
Next to Aguila’s table, two sisters, Jolene Beltz and Cheryl Petsche, had soaps and candles for sale from their businesses, Dream of Ocean Soaps and Wix and Wax Candles. They have been in business since 2020.
Creations by LaTarsha, Ari, and Alicia Fuertes, a family business, featured hand-knit colorful items such as tops, hats, stockings, and even shawls.
Barbara Young, a local photographer, was excited to share her beautiful photographs that were displayed in frames and printed on greeting cards.
Daniel Meade of Studio Oddworm had Calabash on display. Meade explained that Calabash is an indigenous gourd in the islands north of South America. Engraving on the gourd is indigenous island art. Meade has moved the art forward by burning and painting over it.
Monica Bryan, the event coordinator, was also eager to show off her homemade soaps, jewelry, and skincare products. She commented that the vendors were excited that the weather showed up with sunshine and breeze, as many events have been rained out through the weekend.
Bryan also mentioned that the Sibilly family donates the parking lot space and the family donates all vendor fees to a local non-profit/organization. Bryan was proud to announce that this year’s proceeds will be donated to Nana Baby Home to help purchase Christmas gifts for the children.
