GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Goodfellow will open its gates to the public Saturday, Nov. 23, for the 39th annual Santa’s Market.
The market, held at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy High Bay, is a holiday-themed bazaar featuring several local vendors and activities, including ornament decorating and a visit from Santa Clause at 1 p.m.
“There are free crafts, ornaments to paint, and several private organizations will have activities to do also,” said Amber Troiano, Goodfellow Event Center manager. “It’s a whole experience.”
The market will be even bigger than last year, with 126 booths divided between 86 unique vendors from all around Texas.
“It’s a fantastic chance to get out there and see what’s available in the region, because it’s all local artists with handmade crafts,” said Troiano. “There are photographers, sewn goods, jewelry, home décor, soaps, lotions, wreaths, and sand art for the kids.”
In addition to the crafts and activities, the market gives local residents who normally don’t have access to Goodfellow a chance to see the facility that is such an integral part of the San Angelo community.
“It’s the only time of the year they have a chance to actually get onto Goodfellow,” said Troiano. “They are given a limited scope of what we do, but it does give them a little more insight into what this part of San Angelo is like, what goes on behind the gates.”
The market is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and attendees without normal base access may enter through the commercial gate located on Chadbourne Street (signs will be posted for convenience). Department of Defense ID card holders may access the base normally through the Jacobson Gate (south). Vehicles will be directed to a parking area where shuttles will transport attendees to and from the event throughout the day.