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KINGSTON — The 109th Field Artillery Armory was filled with Christmas shoppers on Sunday afternoon working on their holiday lists and raising funds for the Wyoming Valley chapter of the American Red Cross.
Bill Goldsworthy, executive director, said that over 3,000 people attended the 21st Annual Holiday Craft Show during the holiday weekend, with more than 130 vendors exhibiting unique homemade gifts.
“The event wasn’t held last year,” said Goldsworthy, who came on board in May. “This year, everyone was enthusiastic and showed me that it could work. And it’s been wonderful.”
Goldsworthy said he was impressed with both the generous spirit of area residents and the talent and craftsmanship of vendors.
“From items for pet lovers to sports enthusiasts, from jewelry to wine,” he said. “People have a wide variety of items available — perfect for gifts during the holiday season.”
And many of the items reflected the personalities or original ideas of the crafters and artists.
George Morgan, of Custom Pens, said he hoped the handmade pens crafted from wood would make their way into the hands of those who love to write and would appreciate the quality of the product.
For Morgan, making the pens was a labor of love and an attempt to create a quality writing instrument.
“I want this to be a hobby, not a jobby,” he said.
For those attempting to re-create an old fashioned Christmas for loved ones, Austin’s Ceramic had a variety of items including handcrafted Christmas trees with insertable lights that brought attendees’ minds back to their grandmother’s living room.
Tom Hartz, who was selling original oil paintings and pencil sketches, said his works reflected scenes around his home at Lake Silkworth.
“I want the paintings to look like a photo,” he said. “That is my goal.”
Joyce Ciarlo, who has been a vendor at the event for several years, said she had originally sold quilts at craft events and eventually branched out to food items, including her specialty breads.
She credits the craft show with being a highlight of the holiday season and said she looks forward to continuing to participate in future years.
Santa and his elves were also on hand to review Christmas lists and share the holiday spirit with young attendees.
When asked the most unusual request from a youngster, Santa said, “Believe it or not, one youngster asked me for french fries.”
Many lauded Edna Vivian, board member and volunteer coordinator, with the tremendous amount of hard work she had done in preparation for the event, one of the biggest fundraisers of the year with proceeds solely directed to those within this area affected by disaster.
For shoppers who worked up an appetite, food was available, with a special area where attendees could grab baked goods or candy to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.
To Lisa Yurek, Wyoming, the day provided a kick start to the holiday season.
Yurek said she bought a ring for granddaughter Isabella, 5, as an early Christmas present.
And for granddaughter Olivia, less than a month old? A little hat.
“It was a really nice day,” said Yurek. “Really wonderful.”
