Makers. Artists. Foodies. Community. Flock! From the creators of Solstice Mercantile, welcome Flocking Swans, a truly unique holiday market experience back for a compelling fourth year! Now with a new name and a new location, both updates made to accommodate the growing love and demand for the event which will feature artisans from all islands. Flocking Swans will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, on Orcas Island.
The community-driven artisanal holiday fair which also includes food, wine and live music will be hosted by Turtlehead Farm this year. The idyllic property has an otherworldly feel which features large and sprawling event grounds, a sawmill, ponds, stables and the awe-inspiring historic wooden barn in which the event will take place. Nestled at the western flank of Turtleback Mountain Preserve in Deer Harbor, the property is surrounded by hundreds of acres of pristine forest, wetlands and rugged coastline – a holiday postcard. Flocking Swans was created out of a desire to create, champion and celebrate light, beauty and the power of community.
According to event organizers, last year’s attendance exceeded 1,000 visitors over two days. At over forty exhibitors, this year’s number of vendors is larger than last year and features some of the San Juan Islands’ most noteworthy artists and craftspeople. Some exhibitors include Ula Botanic, Orcas Island Copper, Ibis Element, Katey Rissi, Ship Supply, Chandelle Anderson, Einna B Ceramics, Indigo Free and Tekla Farms. Organizers have thoughtfully curated a diverse yet intentional event format that exhibits a range of island artists and makers showcasing handmade crafts, designs, art and a range of specialty food and beverage vendors among other creative art installations and displays – a giving tree, photo booth and hazelnut roasting will also be part of the event. The food purveyor lineup is of particular note with Setsunai Noodles from Lopez Island, Lone Pine Larder, Seabird Bakeshop, The Kitchen and SweetCraft Bakeshop, all crafting specialty dishes for the event. Guests can expect ramen, dumplings, holiday tamales and sopas, warm stews, fresh breads, cake, cheese tastings, wine sipping, local beer, lattes, teas and more.
Internationally acclaimed Seattle-based musician Tomo Nakayama, praised by the likes of NPR, the New York Times and The Stranger, will perform at Flocking Swans on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m.
Entrance to the event is free. It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days at 231 Lime Quarry Road on Orcas. Plenty of onsite parking will be available. For more information, visit www.flockingswans.com or flockingswans@gmail.com
