NU Shopping Opener Starts with 42nd GnomeMade Market
NEW ULM - The Minnesota firearm deer hunt opener starts Saturday, but in New Ulm, the shopping opener already began on Friday. Hundreds of holiday shoppers flocked to the 42nd GnomeMade Market, spread across the city at over 20 locations.
Popular Stops
One of the market's highlights is the Lind House at 622 Center Street, known for hosting the "Lindbacken Artisans." Becky Peters and Deb Raschke have been regular contributors for 25 years and four years, respectively.
Alisa Ring, a regular attendee, brought her three-month-old daughter, Ember Ring, who served as the Lind House's temporary hat model.
Patsy Ryberg, a longtime GnomeMade shopper, praised the market's variety, especially the unique Christmas tree collection.
Another stop worth mentioning is the historic Wanda Gag House, allowing visitors to tour the childhood home of artist Wanda Gag while browsing holiday crafts. LuAnn Lindmeyer showcased knitted ornaments inspired by Wanda Gag's books.
Relocation and Adaptability
The New Ulm Armory building, once a key location on the market, has been vacated by the Minnesota National Guard and relocated to the north end of town. However, the craft vendors adapted by setting up shop in the new location on Palmer Avenue.
Bridget Kirsh from SuzieQ's Stitchin noted that the move didn't deter shoppers; instead, it attracted them. The most popular item at their booth was an oven mitt shaped like a chicken, with a range of farm animal-themed mitts.
Local Favorites
The Sugar Shanty on S. Highland Avenue, run by Lori and Tyler Zollner, is a popular home stop known for its maple syrup and honey. This year, they expanded their garage and welcomed new vendors, including freeze-dried candies and Alyssa Sernett's Milford Grains booth. Sernett specializes in fresh milled flour and baking mixes, with her gluten-free products gaining significant traction.