It is an event aimed at giving shoppers a chance to buy unique and often handmade gifts.

The pop-up event is perfect for last-minute shoppers, said Heidi Draisey, 13th Street District event committee chair and board member.

“You can get your last-minute gifts, or in my case your first-minute gifts,” Draisey said.

Shops in the district opened their doors from 5-7:30 p.m. for community members to do some evening shopping at one of the many pop-up shops or guest vendors on the street.

T-R PHOTO BY SHANNON RABOTSKI
Shoppers and vendors spend time mingling during the annual 13th Street District Holiday Pop-Up Open House. Shoppers could enjoy a variety of different vendors and treats throughout the evening.

The event provides the community with a chance to support local businesses, rather than shopping at a mall or online.

“It’s a great opportunity to support not only 13th Street District, but also commerce here in Marshalltown,” Draisey said.

Children could avoid the cold and meet Santa at West End Perk, telling the Jolly Old Elf their Christmas wishes and explaining how good they were in 2019.

The event included 13th Street businesses and vendors with unique gifts such as decor, jewelry and homemade chocolates.

Some businesses did not host vendors but still participated in the holiday event.

Cynthia Ragland, owner of C Eye Care on 13th Street, did not have time to get a vendor for her optometry practice, but welcomed people in and offered them hot chocolate, cookies and wine.

“It always brings in a fun crowd and it’s just a fun neighborhood to be in,” Ragland said. “It just gets a variety of people out in one case and it really showcases all of the exciting new things that have happened on 13th Street.”

The Pop-Up Open House brought shoppers holiday joy and welcomed the holiday spirit with new Christmas lights lining the street.

The lights were not the only new part of the event. New vendors made their way to 13th Street to participate in the fun.

Erin Woltjer of West Des Moines brought her pop-up boutique, Aesthete, to the open house for the first time.

“It brings people in and shopping within the community,” Woltjer said.

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Contact Shannon Rabotski at

641-753-6611 or

srabotski@timesrepublican.com