Hippie Holiday returns to support local artisans, businesses

With Halloween passing this week, you know it’s time to start thinking about Christmas.

The Lawton Fort Sill Art Council is hoping when you think about getting presents together, you first look local. Because from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday marks the return of the Hippie Holiday at the council’s headquarters at 1701 NW Ferris.

Lawton Fort Sill Art Counci President D’esirae Schneider said the core to the event is to support your local creatives, be it through business or arts.

“In today’s world, it’s crucial to support small businesses and local crafters,” she said. “Hippie Holiday offers a variety of unique products from different local vendors. This one-stop-shop is the perfect place to find gifts for loved ones.”

Attendees will find a huge variety of handmade items from the 25 vendors, along with a variety of food, Schneider said. Some local farms also will set up their local meats and herbs and the local animal birth-control clinic will be on-site to receive donations, as well.

“We will have everything from hand-forged knives, homemade sourdough bread, stained glass, fiber artists, handmade body and beauty products,” she said.

Schneider said that since beginning the Hippie Holiday tradition 12 years ago with 11 vendors, it’s been something to see it bloom.

“It’s been amazing to see this event grow and become something magical,” she said. “I’m a huge advocate for supporting local and I’m so grateful to have this opportunity.”

Because local businesses and artisans have taken a hit in the past few years, Schneider said it’s imperative a community keeps itself alive by looking local first. A community is an extended family, you should tend to it first when spending your money, she said.

“I think this year it’s more important than ever to support local artists and artisans,” she said. “We need to keep our money local and support our local brothers and sisters.”