As families were finishing off the last of their Thanksgiving leftovers, Indian Island helped introduce the holiday spirit with their 12th annual Sip n Shop with Santa on Saturday, November 30. Indian Island provided their signature holiday-themed slushies as well as several flights of wines and other beverages. Owners Angie and Ray Winter welcomed guests with the latter holding a glass of wine and he offered cheers to patrons while his daughter attended the vendor market held in the banquet hall. A variety of both new and old vendors graced the Sip n Shop as familiar faces in Barry and Karen Thompson with Mary’s Angels and Kendra Krohn with Big Mood Boutique shared the same space as newcomers Permalinx and Reichel’s 3D Printing. The latter featured some incredibly intricate and colorful 3D printed designs such as dragons, a Pokeball, and even incense burners and flower pots; it was a unique addition to the market and it certainly attracted patrons.
While others were getting some early Christmas shopping done, Mr. and Mrs. Claus stopped by at Indian Island for the 12th straight year and helped spread Christmas cheer to many families and young children. It’s been the couple’s 26th year donning the personas, and the two are always thrilled to meet new faces and experience a child’s first meeting with Santa…it can go either way they say. A few kids were especially eager to meet Santa and ask him for a gift like the traditional doll or even a pony…or a PS5. Not sure the North Pole can swing those last two, but it was still a joy to see kids delight at Santa’s white beard or to see one particular baby coo and cry over this strange man in a red suit.
The Sip n Shop has been a strong tradition at Indian Island since its inception and it’s easy to see why–who doesn’t want to enjoy an afternoon with Santa?
