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Made in Erie Marketplace a Locally-Made Treasure Trove
THE event for homemade gifts this holiday season
November 20, 2019 at 12:45 PM
Michelle Chylinski
Saturday, Nov. 30
The Made in Erie Marketplace is the event for homemade gifts this holiday season.
"From the intersection of Front and German Street, you'll be able to see the event and the crowd," Jeremy Bloeser, executive director for the Bayfront East Side Task Force (BEST), said of the Made In Erie Marketplace.
BEST is a nonprofit organization working to revitalize Erie's oldest neighborhood by investing in the community. As the oldest task force in the city, BEST works to revitalize the community in ways that make it "the best neighborhood to live, work, and play," Bloeser said.
One such effort is the annual Made in Erie Marketplace, which BEST inherited from Civitas Erie five years ago. The event features locally-made goods "that you wouldn't find while shopping at the mall," Bloeser said. "There are unique crafts and great shopping."
"All vendors are small [and independent], who make things themselves, and who do not have a brick and mortar store," Bloeser said. "So, this is one of the few places you may be able to find their work that isn't online."
As of Nov. 13, there were 35 approved vendors approved, Bloeser said, making this the biggest Made in Erie Marketplace yet. Vendors include Mercyhurst University graduate and fine artist Katie LeVan and more. Jewelers Karin's Kreations and Little Hummingbird Designs will have hand-made jewelry and gemstones, Alex's Puzzles will be selling hand-crafted wooden puzzles, and Lake Erie Candy Company offers something sweet.
"When you by a pair of mikes at the mall, you don't get to meet who designed them," Bloeser said, "but with this event, you get to meet the people who have actually crafted the thing you'll be purchasing."
While some vendors do provide shopping bags, event organizers suggest bringing reusable ones as well. Free parking will be available in the adjacent parking lot or on the street. — Hannah McDonald
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. // Church of the Nativity, 109 German St. // All Ages // Free admission // facebook.com/MadeinErieMarketplace