The Fairfaxian/Mike Ghiringelli
A grand Holiday event will be happening on Friday, Dec. 15, in beautiful downtown Fairfax, from 4-9 p.m.
The first annual Fairfax Winter Market will be taking place, a portion of Bolinas Road will be closed, starting at Broadway, and Fairfax Merchants will be Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, selling their gifts and services, to fill Santa’s sleigh.
Ah, but that’s not all, there will also be plenty of festivities, including caroling, a bike parade, live music, and an abundance of festive lights. So grab your hat, put on your coat, and make it down to the big show. Don’t forget the children, this twinkly celebration is for the entire family!
The Winter Market is the brainchild of Gerry Kelly, owner of the Sonas Clothing store. Gerry joined forces with other merchants and the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, led by Minna Kim, to bring this wonderful family event to our downtown.
“Fairfax is a special place, and this event is designed to bring our families and community together,” said the ever creative Gerry.
Restaurants, coffee houses, bars, tea houses, and nightclubs, will all be open and ready to rock the holiday spirit.
Here’s a few Fairfaxian recommendations, to enjoy during this winter wonderland of excitement:
WAYFINDER
Check out the brand new Wayfinder Bookshop, located at 9 Bolinas Road in the heart of downtown. Owned and operated by Marin couple, Molly Parent and Stephen Sparks, the book store features socially conscious books, climate, nature, environmental, and social issue enlightenments, just to name a few.
There is also an abundant poetry section to choose from, and a considerable children’s books section as well. This is a family run business, and kids are always welcome.
If you can’t find the books you are looking for at the shop, you can order them on their online store, and your books will arrive within days.
This is all simply great news, and a big shout out of appreciation to Molly and Stephen is in order. A bookstore has been dearly needed in Fairfax for years. Congratulations!
REVOLUTION 9
You simply can’t get a better or more interesting retail store than Rev 9, to get special gifts for kids and the young at heart. Located at 14 Bolinas Road, on the main strip, this revolutionary store has been in operation since 2007.
Step inside and instantly experience the energy, fun, uniqueness, happiness, and success, that Revolution 9 offers.
Wiley, an Archie Williams student, was the manager on duty, and he was engaged, professional, and happily ready to assist me with my many questions. Impressive.
Revolution 9 is owned by the inspired Huda Al-Jamal, and is geared towards families and young adults. If you’re a fan of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s nostalgia, you will fall in love with their wide assortment of interesting t-shirts, toys, posters, books, and jewelry.
One very nice young fan , and loyal shopper , by the name of Milo, had nothing but praise for the coolest store in Fairfax.
“I’m here at least twice a week, checking out what’s new. I really like their selection of jewelry, and I really enjoy the 70’s and 80’s era”, said the 15-year-old Milo. This vintage reporter never felt so appreciated.
This is a must stop for all the good girls and boys during the Winter Market. Start the Revolution now.
COFFEE ROASTERS
Deb and Kelly London are the owners and operators of The Coffee Roastery, located right on the corner of Bolinas and Broadway, in the historic Alpine building.
Kelly roasts the coffee beans fresh almost daily. He’s a master, a guru, an expert, at roasting high quality and delicious tasting beans, you can even take a bag with you and brew your own stash at home.
This popular coffee spot features superb tasting Espresso, Frappes, Teas, and Smoothies. They also offer scrumptious breakfast sandwiches and an extensive list of desserts and baked goodies.
This is the “in” place to meet, hang out, and be seen in the scene, never a has been, in our vibrant village. Their beautiful outdoor seating area is the best on the street.
DINE OUT
I highly suggest that you reserve your table now, at one of our very fine Fairfax restaurants. This event will be the start of one of the busiest restaurant nights of the year. Book now!
What are your favorite Fairfax restaurants ? I’d love to hear all about it.
SANTA’S HELPERS
Sometimes, Santa’s helpers need a little break time. So venture off during the Winter Market and enjoy the crew at the ever fun, always Happy Hour, Mac’s at 19 Broadway.
My favorite part of the menu is the tiki section. Aloha!
The legendary Otis Scarecrow will be musically entertaining the fine folks of Fairfax, from 4-8 p.m.
CHAMBER PARTY
Nearly 100 merchants and supporters of our local Fairfax business community celebrated the season at the Chamber Holiday Party, under the Redwoods, at the beautiful Deer Park Villa last Thursday.
Delicious appetizers, served by Debbie Ghiringhelli Catering, and perfect adult and non adult libations hosted by the DPV establishment, was the perfect backdrop for this annual celebration.
We have an extremely talented and vibrant group of merchants in our town. I thank them all for their dedicated efforts and great businesses that help shape our community.
To have the best downtown, in perhaps the entire Bay Area, you need to have great storefront owners. It’s such a huge part of what makes the small town of Fairfax so darn dang special.
THANKS
And of course, thanks to all of our friends and supporters in Fairfax.
It’s our great honor and privilege to serve you and be an integral part of the Ross Valley. 2023 was an exceptional year in so many ways, and 2024 promises to be filled with optimism, opportunities, and inspired fun.
Merry Christmas to everyone, Happy Holidays too. There’s a reason for the season, enjoy it with family, old friends, and new ones too.
Stay safe my friends!
(Mike Ghiringhelli is an associate editor of the Ross Valley Reporter. He is a former Fairfax Chamber of Commerce President, and former Mayor of Fairfax. Mike is involved in a few Fairfax businesses, some of which he may mention in this column, which is about Fairfax.)
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