OLD LYME — On Sunday, Nov. 17, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding in Old Lyme, will throw open its gates to over 3000 visitors keen to get a jump start on their holiday shopping. Over 60 carefully-chosen artisan vendors, the ‘hottest’ food trucks in town, the ever-popular Author’s Corner, and kids’ crafts and games will all be back.
Entry to High Hopes Holiday Market, which is held at 36, Town Woods Road just off Rte. 1, is free with a donation to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries and High Hopes is aiming to top last year’s record-breaking collection – just in time for Thanksgiving.
Together with Event Sponsors, Benchmark Wealth Management, High Hopes will present old favorites like Treefort Naturals, Howards Breads, Milo + Molly, Wild Carrot Cordage, and Fiber & Mud. The Whey Station will be serving their gourmet grilled cheese, and the sought-afterFryborg will also be back at the food court. “We like to keep the Market fresh,” says Special Events Manager, Trudy Burgess, “and this year there will also be a range of new vendors like Copper Knot Designs, Coastal Creations, and Quilibet.”
Back by popular demand is the popular Tasting Tent. Purchase a Passport for beer tastings and bar bites, and be one of the first to try the new Apple Jack Daniels. Join the experts from sponsors Grand Wine & Spirits for wine tastings from vineyards around the world. Passports can be purchased in advance online at $30 – a 25 percent discount. Admittance is open to those age 21 and over, and State or Federal I.D. will be required for admittance. The tent opens at 12 p.m. and the final tasting will be at 3:30 p.m.
Keep the kids happy with games and activities sponsored by The Williams School or take a walk to visit a very special herd of therapy horses.
All proceeds from the Market are used to support the programs and participants of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding. Their workforce is 96 percent volunteer and the Market also serves as their biggest ‘friendraiser’ of the year. If you are interested in finding out more about High Hopes’ programs, either as a participant or volunteer, be sure to talk to one of their Volunteer Team.
Enter High Hopes’ first ‘Great Apple Pie’ contest or buy a raffle ticket for a chance to drive away in a brand-new car. First prize in this year’s raffle is for a Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium sponsored by our raffle partner Reynolds’ Subaru. Second prize is a beachside home vacation for eight in Panama. Third and fourth place prize-winners will win an iPad mini and an Amazon Echo Show respectively. The draw will take place at 3:45 p.m. and you do not have to be present to win. If you plan to purchase a ticket at the Market, make sure you buy early. Only 1,200 will be sold in total – which means the odds are great. Raffle tickets are available online at highhopestr.org/raffle.
Free parking is available on site (subject to weather,) and as you would expect, the majority of High Hopes’ grounds (and the whole of the market) is wheelchair accessible.
To find out more, follow the event on Facebook or visit High Hopes’ website at highhhopestr.org.