Santa's Smokestack Boutique
The first "Santa's Smokestack" boutique was held in November 1974 by a group of talented Walnut Country crafters. This boutique was a one day sale which rapidly expanded to the current format of two day to meet increased enthusiasm from shoppers and crafters alike! Thanks to the dedicated leadership, creative artists and great support from our community and the Walnut Country board of directors, the show has become one of the premier boutiques in the Concord/Walnut Creek area, drawing crowds from as far away as Red Bluff, Sacramento, Marin County and beyond.
The Walnut Country community benefits not only from having finely crafted products from which to select holiday and everyday gifts but also by receiving a percentage of show profits. Boutique membership is generally limited to the greater Bay Area and to individual crafters with no partnerships allowed. All new items are reviewed for quality, non-duplication and suitability for the boutique by a screening committee.
New members may begin screening in April by contacting the Cowell Homeowners Association office at 925-687-9961 or at businessoffice@walnutcountry.com for additional information. Registration for new Santa's Smokestack members closes with the October screening to allow time for crafting accepted product to sell at the November boutique. Residents of Walnut Country receive first priority during new member screening. This careful process assures that the boutique continues to attract shoppers who have come to expect high quality merchandise with many one-of-a-kind items to choose from.