PITTSTON — A holiday craft and gift show at the Oblates of St. Joseph Nov. 3 kicked off the holiday shopping season and benefitted Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge in Dallas.
The event, which has become tradition for many area residents, brought about 40 of vendors to offer everything from handmade candles to unique crafting items to baked goods.
To Georgia Young, of Exeter, and Elaine D’Angelo, of Hughestown, the event was not only a chance to begin checking items off their Christmas lists, but also to catch up with one another, eagerly showing photos of family on their cell phones as they stood surrounded by the color and décor of the upcoming season.
Young said she had come to the event specifically for a “runner” for her holiday table.
D’Angelo made her way from vendor to vendor, delighted with the handmade gifts available.
Helena Falzone, of West Pittston, offered not only supplies to make unique crocheted in a variety of pastel and holiday colors, but also a lesson in how to make the unique items.
“I recently learned how to crochet and now I want to bring that to other people,” she said.
Judy Carter, volunteer organizer of the event, had a suggested shopping list for those attending the event.
“Something for your home, something for yourself and something to give as a gift,” she said.
Carter said the event, in its 15th year, provides a great chance to open the holiday season.
Tiffany Nawrocki, of Duryea, participating for the first time this year as a vendor, said the event emphasized the importance of small businesses and of buying local.
“Everything here is local,” she said. “Everything is handmade.”
Nawrocki offered a variety of soy candles infused with wine fragrances in re-purposed wine bottles.
Her newest offerings, she said, are wickless candles which could bring fragrance to a room without a flame.
She also offers a variety of candles to help keep homes with pets smelling fresh.
To those who wanted to grab something to eat on the spot, Donna’s Hoagies & Deli set up at the entrance to the event, offering baked goods, coffee and other items that not only satisfied those who came hungry, but gave them a reason to visit with others at the front door of the event.
“We have four staff here. We’re having a blast,” she said. “We love our spot at the door.
Father Joseph Sibilano, a priest at the Oblates, enjoyed seeing area residents gathering at the church hall.
“Some of these people haven’t seen each other for weeks or months,” he said, looking out on the event. “It’s beautiful, just beautiful.”
Proceeds from the event, which included a raffle, went to Blue Chip Animal Rescue, with donations of pet food, toys, blankets towels and detergent accepted as well.
For more information about Blue Chip Animal Refuge and how to help, access its website at http://www.bcfanimalrefuge.org/
