The Shop at Build Trybe will co-host the Cherry Street Holiday Market & Party, a festive open house featuring local food, fine arts, and homemade items, including a selection of handcrafted wood and metal home goods created by apprentices in the Build Trybe program.

The event is co-hosted by the Cherry Pit Collective, a communal studio space for women and non-binary artists, makers, and creatives, which will showcase additional vendors next door. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, holiday shoppers can peruse over 20 unique local vendors like Pantry Goods, Honey & Luster, Dona Fina Café, and many more.

“It’s always good to have community members see the space and learn about what we do,” said Kendell Harbin, the Build Trybe Building Trades Manager. “It’s also a way to celebrate local makers in Kansas City. Hosting [the event] here is another way of giving back to other people who have hosted us.”

New this year is an online holiday raffle featuring five raffle packages. Each package is specially curated by Cornerstones of Care team members and filled with local gift cards and goodies from places like Cafe Cà Phê, Bar K, and Charlie Hustle. All proceeds from the raffle go directly to Build Trybe, and winners do not need to be present to win. Winners will be announced live at the event and listed on the Cornerstones of Care website on Monday, December 12.

This is the second year that Build Trybe will participate in the holiday market, but the first year that the space is fully operated by Build Trybe. A year ago, the Building Trades program was a member of Maker Village, a community wood and metal fabrication shop. Today, Build Trybe’s logo is proudly displayed on the wall, and youth in the Building Trades path receive paid, on-the-job training that sets them up for future stability and prepares them for employment opportunities in the community.

On Saturday, the Build Trybe apprentices that build the cutting boards, plant stands, coasters, and other products on sale will be busy at work – handling transactions and floating around the space to answer questions and ensure that guests find what they need.

“It’s a very valuable piece of curriculum for them in terms of learning and at least getting a little sampling of sales and marketing,” said Harbin. “It motivates them in their work to see that business side.”

For the general public, the Cherry Street Holiday Market & Party is an opportunity to give back to the community and support youth in the Build Trybe program who may be aging out of foster care, houseless, or lacking critical support. It’s also an excellent opportunity for families to get their Christmas shopping done in a way that celebrates and strengthens local artists and vendors in Kansas City.

The Cherry Street Holiday Market & Party is this Saturday, December 10, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the corner of 31^st and Cherry. Raffle tickets are now available for purchase. To see a complete list of vendors, visit the Cherry Pit Collective Facebook page.