Local crafters offer plethora of goodies at Holiday Market

by Chris Studor

Talented local crafters made it easy to purchase unique and beautifully made holiday gifts at the second annual Hinckley Holiday Market held Nov. 19 at Valleaire Golf Club. Walking into the show, shoppers quickly got in the holiday mood as they were greeted by Santa Claus. First stop was the tempting bakery table filled with cake pops, cookies and all types of baked goods. At the same time they were selling baked goods, show organizers, Hinckley residents Nikki Long and Monique Ascherl sold raffle tickets for the stacks of gift baskets nearby.

This is the second year for Hinckley Holiday market which attracted approximately 430 guests, said Long. Craft tables lined the hallways and there seemed there was something for everyone.

Having just purchased two knitted turtles from Patricia Ulsenheimer and her daughter Jenny Austin, Laura Boey of Hinckley commented; “I’d much rather spend money on items made locally than at commercial stores. Especially since the pandemic, I feel purchasing from local vendors when you can is a good way to go.”

Gathering customers like bees was local beekeeper Audrey Gargas of Brook Haven Apiary. Gargas said she originally started out with one bee hive and when her husband asked  her what she wanted for her birthday she said; “More beehives.” Now 10 years later, she offers an array of bee products including many types of flavored honey, as well as beeswax products such as candles and lip balm.

Across the aisle, Andrea Bartel of Hinckley Hills Studio was offering handmade soaps. Perhaps you have come across Bartel in the vendor area at Buzzard Day as she appears at many local shows. The handmade soap bars in dozens of pretty colors and designs lined the table and the scents were heavenly.

If you’re looking for some sweet treats for your next gathering, Hinckley resident Beck Bialowsky of Miss Busy Bee can fill your order. Treats almost too pretty to eat filled her table This Hinckley resident can fill a custom bakery order to please the fussiest sweet tooth.

Crafters, some who nearly sold out of all of their stock, as well as shoppers, left happy but the goodwill didn’t stop at the end of the show. Through local donors who contributed raffle baskets, and the bake sale, as well as Valleaire Golf Course which donated the space, approximately $2,350 was raised to be donated to the annual Hinckley Police Department Cops, Kids and Claus event. ∞

Featured Photo: Who could resist this table of sweet cookies, candies and cakes made by Becky and Allyse Bialowsky of Miss Busy Bee, one of the many local vendors at the second annual Hinckley Holiday Market. Joining in on the fun are friends, Reilly Jeffers (left) Hailey Keim, Taylor Mitchell and Becky and Allyse Bialowsky. Photo by Chris Studor