IYRS School of Technology & Trades will kick off the holiday season with its Holly Jolly Weekend, featuring a community holiday party and artisan market in early December.
The IYRS Community Holiday Party will take place Friday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by the Artisan Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both events will be held at Restoration Hall on the IYRS campus at 449 Thames St.
The Friday night community party is free and open to the public, though RSVPs are requested. Historic Restoration Hall will be decorated for the holidays and feature wooden boats being restored by IYRS students. The event will include live music, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
The Saturday artisan market will feature more than two dozen local makers, artists and craftspeople selling handmade goods. Confirmed vendors include Violet Drury Designs, MadebyBonnieRI, MAShells/MISTE Photography, Our Good Dog Spot and Averey Homer, offering items ranging from woodworking and photography to candles, art and pet supplies.
Newport Chowder Co. will also be on-site offering chowders during the weekend.
Vendor applications are still being accepted at iyrs.edu/events/hollyjolly/reg. Registration costs $100 and includes an 8-foot display table. Space is limited and vendors will be selected based on handmade products, diversity of goods and overall fit, according to a press release.
On-site metered parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
IYRS School of Technology & Trades is a nonprofit post-secondary institution founded in 1993 as the International Yacht Restoration School. The school offers four full-time, ACCSC-accredited programs in marine trades and modern manufacturing.
