By SCOTT MIMS / Staff Writer 

HELENA — Helena Middle School’s fourth Holiday Market is set for Saturday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Local artists, crafters and boutiques will line the school’s cafeteria and back hallway selling items such as wreaths, tumblers, essential oils, cosmetics, clothing, candles and much more. Other booths at the market will feature local businesspeople such as orthodontists and chiropractors.

The Holiday Market is a fundraiser that helps the HMS Dance Team participate in three different competitions.

“It’s a fun shopping experience to support local businesses, local artists, the community of Helena and the Helena Middle School Dance Team,” said Anna McEntire, teacher and dance team coach at the school. “It’s really organized, everyone’s really spread out and it’s a whole lot of fun.”

Last year, about 100 vendors participated in the event and McEntire is expecting about the same number for 2019.

“It’s local businesses but also people who create their own products,” she said.

Admission is just $1 per person, and parking is available in the back of the school.

The HMS Dance Team will perform to Christmas music on stage during the event.

McEntire invites potential vendors who are interested in participating, whether to sell merchandise or promote their business, to contact her at helenaholidaymarket@gmail.com. The event is also posted on Facebook; just search for @helenaholidaymarket2019.

Funding raised from the event is collected from renting out the vendor booths as well as the price of admission. Two of the competitions attended by the dance team are in-state, and the other is out-of-state.

“I just know how much this means to them, and how hard they work to get to the competitions,” McEntire said of the dance team.