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WILKES-BARRE — Public Square was abuzz Saturday afternoon as the annual Old-Fashioned Holiday Market offered something for everyone to enjoy — hot cocoa, live entertainment and even horse-drawn carriage rides.
On one end of the Square, folks surrounded a living Nativity, taking photos and petting animals while parishioners from Morning River Ministries and students from King’s College demonstrated a scene of the three kings offering gifts to Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus.
Pastor Adam McGahee said this was the first time the living Nativity was done at the event, with the South Main Street ministry happy to take part in the holiday show and remind attendees of the true meaning of Christmas.
“We jumped right on it because we want people to remember Jesus is the reason for the season,” he said.
While groups were lined up for a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Square, other attendees were happy to take a seat at the bandstand to enjoy some live entertainment. King’s College student Talia Johnson got a round of applause for her rendition of “Where are you, Christmas?”
Of course, the event would not be complete without a visit from the jolly old elf in the red suit, which was being eagerly anticipated by brothers Michael Levi and Preston Lawrence Coffee. They were with their mom, Rachel.
This was the first time the Harveys Lake family attended the holiday market, and they were pleased to find members of the CityMark Federal Credit Union offering gift bags to children.
“We wanted to come down so the boys could meet Santa Claus,” said Rachel. “I think it’s a wonderful celebration for the holidays.”
Mouth-watering smell
Many also took advantage of the chance to get some holiday shopping in and buy local. Patrons were able to browse through several vendors offering jewelry, foods, knitwear, home decor and more.
Although many vendors opted for a clean, eye-catching display to bring in customers, Vikki’s Nut House chose a different path: smell. A mouth-watering scent of roasted almonds and pecans drove hungry customers right to her stand across from the F.M. Kirby Center.
The mother-daughter duo said they were glad to get an invite to sell at the market, adding how nice they thought it was to keep community events based around many local vendors.
“It’s really nice to support small businesses and keep everything local,” said Vikki’s mom, Dotty Kenyon.
“I think people in the community do want to shop local and are coming out to support local businesses,” Vikki Kenyon added.
