Holiday Block Party 2024 | December 12th 4:30 - 8:30PM

Head to the Holiday Block Party at the Truckee Tahoe Airport’s Nonprofit Row on December 12th from 4:30pm - 8:30pm to find unique holiday gifts for the special folks in your life. For the fourth consecutive year, local nonprofits Sierra Community House, Truckee Roundhouse, and Tahoe Food Hub are collaborating to host this festive holiday shopping extravaganza. The free, family-friendly event blends holiday fun with organic produce, specialty foods, over 25 local makers, activities for kids, live music, two bars, and Mogrog Rotisserie and Moutain Lotus food trucks, where attendees can meet local makers, growers, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus (brought to you by the Truckee Chamber of Commerce!).

“We are thrilled to be participating in this fun and important community event again this year,” said Shannon Falker, director of Sierra Community House, which will host the Santa photo booth and local crafters. Program leaders will be on hand to give tours of the nonprofit’s hunger relief warehouse and showcase the Prevention Team’s work in local schools.

Community Makerspace Truckee Roundhouse offers workshops in a variety of disciplines, and its members are encouraged to turn their skills into small businesses, with the support of the maker community, instructors, vendor workshops, and opportunities to sell at events like the Holiday Block Party.

“My craft is rooted in marine industrial canvas sewing. I love an opportunity to expose young people to a unique trade,” said Luca Stevens of Mountain Water Canvas, who makes upcycled sail bags and mixed media art. “Participating in the Holiday Block Party is one of my favorite events of the year. Connecting with other makers and artists and answering questions about my craft makes me feel deeply connected to this amazing community.”

Stevens will be joined at the Holiday Block Party by fellow maker Jane Rudoph-Bloom. Her business, Made by Jane, first vended at the summer Truckee Maker Show. Since then, she has been selling her crocheted accessories at multiple venues in North Tahoe and she now teaches crochet at the Roundhouse. Chandler Bertoli of Alpine Charm will be there with her container gardens, moss art, succulent planters, and fairy-garden kits.

“I love engaging with our community,” said Bertoli, who is participating for the second time. “This event provides local makers a venue and support in an inclusive environment.”

First-time vendor Sarah Manning will be offering her art prints, holiday cards, stickers and beanies.

“Sharing my art with the public is a new venture for me, and I’m so grateful for the support of the Truckee community, especially the Roundhouse,” she said. Tahoe Food Hub will be hosting local food producers, farmers, and makers. Stop by to sample some local beer and wine and listen to live music.

“We’re excited to offer everything from regional olive oil and citrus fruit to herbal teas and local specialties,” Food Hub General Manager Maddie Rohner said. “We love the collaborative spirit of this event. It brings together three local nonprofits and introduces us to new community members.”

Growers Guy Baldwin and Sharon Case of Towani Organic Farm will bring heirloom vegetables and extra-virgin olive oil extracted from olives from their 80-year-old trees. Roots and Bone makes bone broth from Nevada County free-range beef, organic vegetables, and holistic ingredients like burdock root, stinging nettles, and wild reishi mushroom.

Vina Shish will be present with her skin care line, Quench Botanica. Shish’s products are crafted from naturally derived ingredients and are tailored to the unique skin care needs of this dry climate and mountain lifestyle.

Mary McCallum of Mountain Song is a clinical herbalist who concocts small-batch Sierra herbal medicines, with a focus on growing, educating, and making plant medicines accessible to all.

“I honor the earth, my family, my ancestors, and my teachers … as well as the plants, animals, and honeybees, for helping guide me on this path,” McCallum said.

So, head on over to Nonprofit Row at the Truckee Tahoe Airport, located on Chandelle Way, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 and explore this unique collection of artisan creations. Be sure to keep an eye out for Roundhouse staff members Karyn Stanley and Alissa Aiton, who will likely be spied dressed up as Christmas trees!

“We’re thrilled that people can do their holiday shopping while actively supporting local non-profits, artisans, and farmers,” Rohner said.

~ Judi Morales Meyer is the Textile Shop Lead and sewing instructor at Truckee Roundhouse, who organizes vendors for Roundhouse events. She teaches vendor workshops and textile workshops for adults and kids and will be selling her Scrappy Critters handcrafted from upcycled sweater scraps.