Rapid City residents looking for festive gifts and sweet treats can head to The Monument this Saturday for the city’s Winter Marketplace. Among the featured vendors is Sunshine Sweets, a locally owned bakery run by entrepreneur Sydney Erlenbusch.
Local flavor for the holiday season
Erlenbusch shared the story behind Sunshine Sweets, explaining how a love of baking and a desire to serve the community inspired her to start the business. “I began baking for family gatherings and friends, and the response was so positive that I decided to turn it into a full‑time venture,” she said.
At the Winter Marketplace, Sunshine Sweets will offer a variety of seasonal items, including decorated cookies, fudge bars, and custom holiday cake slices. All products are made in‑house using traditional recipes and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Why the marketplace matters
The event provides a valuable platform for small businesses to connect directly with shoppers, fostering a sense of community and supporting the local economy. “We love the chance to meet our neighbors face‑to‑face,” Erlenbusch noted. “It’s an opportunity to build relationships that go beyond a simple transaction.”
In addition to Sunshine Sweets, the Winter Marketplace will feature a range of other vendors offering handmade crafts, winter apparel, and unique gift ideas. The event is organized by the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce and is free to the public.
Details for visitors
The marketplace opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday and runs through 4 p.m. at The Monument, located at 1500 Main Street in downtown Rapid City. Parking is available in the adjacent lot, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to browse the full selection of vendors and to take advantage of any special holiday promotions. Sunshine Sweets plans to debut a limited‑edition peppermint bark that will be available only at the event.
For more information about the Winter Marketplace, including a full vendor list, please visit the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce website or follow their social‑media channels.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
