Previewing and Examining the Origins of DC Brau’s Holiday Marketplace

Just as business owners across the nation gear up for Thanksgiving and the inevitable shopping frenzy that follows suit, a growing collective of DC makers are bringing their crafts into the spotlight.

For the fourth year, DC Brau Brewing Company is teaming up with Think Local First DC for the annual Made in DC Holiday Marketplace, hosted at the brewery on Small Business Saturday (November 26, 2016). This year’s holiday market is bringing together nearly 30 entrepreneurs, four food trucks, and one local musician for an afternoon celebrating local artisans.

Mari Rodela, Chief Community & Culture Officer at DC Brau, says the idea for the holiday market grew out of her involvement with Think Local First in 2013, when she joined the organization’s board of directors. At the time, Think Local was promoting local businesses mostly through Twitter storms of “shop here” posts and popups at brick and mortars around the city. Having just launched the “Made in DC” brand that same year, Think Local