GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — Goodfellow Air Force Base announced Tuesday it has canceled Santa’s Market 2020 scheduled for Nov 21-22 weekend, because of COVID-19.
“In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and prioritize the health and safety of our attendees, vendors and volunteers, wing officials made the tough decision to cancel our annual event,” Col. Tony England, 17th Mission Support Group Commander, said in a release from Goodfellow. “We are deeply disappointed we won’t have Santa’s Market this year, and we look forward to hosting the 40th annual event next year.”
Created in the 1980s as a community base access event, Santa’s Market is a bazaar-type shopping experience featuring various local vendors and booths at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy High Bay. The market hosts up to 5,000 guests annually, with up to 80 vendor booths, ornament decorating and a visit from Santa Claus; all supported by hundreds of volunteers.
Santa’s Market is the only time during the year the installation opens its gates to the public, allowing visitors a chance to experience a part of the base while shopping.
