News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz The Briar Hill Bakehouse and Falls Creek Produce & Flowers Water Street Commons shed location is pictured on Tuesday. The vendors will officially open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ALPENA — Water Street Commons is gearing up for the holiday shopping season in downtown Alpena by welcoming new vendors.

According, Anne Gentry, Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) executive director, four new vendors will set up shop at Water Street Commons this month. She explained that Knaebe’s Apple Farm Ciderworks and Birch Hill Grocery will stay through the holiday season and continue selling their products.

Gentry said that the DDA and Water Street Commons are looking forward to the holidays, the new vendors, and their Holiday Market Grand Opening.

For the grand opening, all the vendors will be open the weekend after Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29, then from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 30.

December hours will include Saturdays from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We are really excited for the holidays,” Gentry said.

Water Street Commons wrapped up their fall shopping season on Nov. 1 with vendors Blu Blends, Mana Wellness, and Alpena Sourdough.

BRIAR HILL BAKEHOUSE

Briar Hill Bakehouse opens this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature sourdough breads, yeasted breads, and pasties. Water Street Commons states on their Facebook page that the artisan bakery prioritizes “organic flours and local ingredients when available.”

FALLS CREEK PRODUCE & FLOWERS

Falls Creek Produce & Flowers will also open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The business is a family-owned produce and flower farm located in Northeast Michigan, according to Water Street Commons’ Facebook page. They will sell handmade wreaths, garland, porch pots, among other produce and floral products.

THE ART NOOK

The Art Nook will open at 11 a.m. on Nov. 15 and will feature local artists’ wares such as jewelry. The Art Nook is a hub for local artists in Northeast Michigan to sell their products.

CHOUCAS HATS

Choucas Hats will open on Nov. 28 for Water Street Commons’ Holiday Market Grand Opening and will continue to sell their products every Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 21, according to Choucas Hats Facebook page. The business features U.S.A made athletic hats.

KNAEBE’S APPLE FARM CIDERWORKS

Knaebe’s Apple Farm and Ciderworks is based in Presque Isle County and sold products at Water Street Commons as part of the Commons’ inaugural summer shopping season. Knaebe’s will continue to operate out of their vendor shed through the holiday shopping season. They sell ciders, jellies, and other Knaebe’s goods.

BIRCH HILL GROCERY

Like Knaebe’s, Birch Hill Grocery is also based in Presque Isle Township. They participated in the Water Street Commons’ first summer shopping season alongside Knaebe’s and will stay through the holiday shopping season. They sell freshly-baked goods, such as baguettes, coffee cake, sweets, and more.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.