BearTown Market
A Growing Community of Makers, Bakers, Crafters and Artists
In 2008, a creative and welcoming woman named Annie Poirier brought together a small group of artists and crafters that became the Kodiak BearTown Arts and Crafts Market. What began as a handful of friends quickly grew into a space where small businesses, makers, artists, and bakers could share their work with a growing cruise ship community. Through several organizers and even the challenges of the pandemic, BearTown has continued to thrive and now supports more than 70 active vendors who celebrate what makes Kodiak so special.
Why Kodiak Inspires Creativity
There is something unmistakable about Kodiak. You feel it the moment you arrive. Community, grit, and wild beauty come together to inspire creativity and connection. The stories of this island are shaped by those who are born here, those who stay for a season, and those who make it home for life.
My own story began two years ago when my family was stationed here with the United States Coast Guard. I returned to my creative roots as a side hustle, and after being laid off from my full time job, the BearTown markets became a place of healing, growth, and renewed confidence. When I later stepped into the role of organizer, I realized I was becoming part of something much bigger than schedules and floor plans.
More than Vendors, These Are Stories
Through market days, setup conversations, and ongoing check ins, I began to learn each vendor’s journey. I now see a teacher building a clothing brand, a baker who opened a storefront, an artist capturing Kodiak through her children’s eyes, a maker crafting through grief, a retired chef still feeding the community, and countless others keeping creativity alive alongside family and life. Every vendor has a story.
BearTown Markets are more than events. They are gatherings rooted in community, creativity, and connection. They are a way to share our love for this Emerald Island with visitors and neighbors alike. When you support a BearTown vendor, you are supporting a Kodiak story.
Our Final Market of 2025
Please join us for our final BearTown Market of 2025 on December 20 at the Kana Marketplace from 10 am to 4 pm for “A Dr Seuss Season of Giving.” In partnership with Discover Kodiak, we will be hosting a food and clothing drive for the Salvation Army, along with vendor specials, Santa, hot chocolate, and a BearTown giveaway.
I would like to think Annie would be proud.
Be Part of the BearTown Story
Interested in becoming part of BearTown Market? We would love to hear your story. Find us on Facebook or Instagram, or email [email protected].
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