Business picks up for vendors at Farmers Markets during holiday events

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - This weekend kicks off Dickens of a Christmas in Roanoke, as well as the Christmas parade and Gingerbread Festival in Salem. The increase in activities means a boost in business for local Farmers Markets. Some vendors are banking on holiday sales to get them through this year.

On Friday afternoon, business was already popping for vendors in downtown Roanoke.

"I've been doing Dickens {of a Christmas} for 16 years now" said Wayne Parks, Mr. Kettle Corn. "We cook about 10,000 pounds of popcorn a year and just here at Dickens alone we will probably do about 400 pounds a night."

Parks said holiday events attract more people to the Farmers Markets in Roanoke. The same is true for vendors in Salem. Leighton Hodges said he typically picks and sells fruits and vegetables from Catawba Valley Farms. During the winter season, his hands are busy creating holiday decor. Hodges expects business to pick up this weekend with the Salem parade and Gingerbread Festivals happening. He said he's spending any downtime he has now preparing for what's to come.

"I have to make sure my inventory is up for the weekend because large volumes of people means higher sales," said Leighton Hodges, Catawba Valley Farms.

From wreaths to trees, tis the season for lots of holiday greenery. The type that make shoppers smile and the kind that make vendors happy too.

"It really helps the small businesses, people like me and the vendors here," said Parks. "It supports us and helps get our families through the holidays and makes it special for us."