Q&A
6 Questions with Christy Samad of 3CDC
SENIOR VP OF EVENT MANAGEMENT DISCUSSES NEWLY REBRANDED WINTER MARKET AT FOUNTAIN SQUARE AND MORE
By Eric Spangler
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ooking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Look no further than downtown Cincinnati and Fountain Square, specifically. That’s because the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp., better known as 3CDC, has organized a Winter Market at Fountain Square featuring regional artisans and crafters. The Winter Market at Fountain Square will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning Nov. 29 and running through Dec. 22. In addition, riding the streetcar will be free each Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas to enable visitors to check out other attractions downtown like Findlay Market and Washington Park. We asked Christy Samad, senior vice president of event management with 3CDC, six questions to learn more about the event.
last year we shared a few weekends with Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt. They have decided not to return so we are extending our market and giving it a fresh new look with wooden huts rather than tents. We are kind of rebranding it and starting it fresh this year.
choir performances, petting zoos, cooking classes and more. The last day of the market we will be partnering with local organizations to showcase intercultural holiday celebrations featuring a menorah lighting, Hispanic Chamber Posada and a Kwanza celebration.
WHAT KINDS OF ITEMS WILL BE SOLD AT THE WINTER MARKET?
WHAT’S BEEN THE HARDEST PART ABOUT ORGANIZING THE WINTER MARKET AT FOUNTAIN SQUARE?
TELL US ABOUT THE WINTER MARKET AT FOUNTAIN SQUARE.
WHAT ELSE WILL YOU HAVE?
This is the second year we produced a Winter Market on Fountain Square. However,
As for vendors, they w ill range from holiday items, candles and soaps, jewelry, knitted accessories, pre-packaged sweets, fine art, home décor and, of course, food. Some vendors include Pot ters on t he Squa re, T he Nat ura l Wick, Libby Shop, Little Patch Alpacas, Sweet Jazz Treats and Three Arrows Farm Ripley.
We will complement the market with other various events that will include wreathmaking classes, wine tastings, karaoke,
Just getting the vendors to get in the holiday spirit.
IS IT TOUGH TO GET VENDORS BECAUSE OF THE MANY OTHER WINTER MARKETS AND FESTIVALS? Yes. We’re looking at what other [markets] exist and how we can complement each other. Because I think the more that is happening the more people that will come down. So it’s exciting to see everything come into play.
YOU CAN OFFER VENDORS A BIG CROWD AT FOUNTAIN SQUARE, RIGHT? Exactly. And that’s the great thing about Fountain Square is it’s just one of the attractions and so the market is not the only draw. So whether it’s the UC Health ice rink, you’re heading down for Macy’s Downtown Dazzle or Light Up the Square, the winter market, Santa Claus and his crew, there’s so much going on. We’re really trying to enhance all of the activities at Fountain Square to make it everyone’s downtown destination. n The Winter Market at Fountain Square w w w.
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