Residents Support PTA, Local Vendors at Holiday Shopping Family Night

If you’re going shopping for the holiday season, why not also support a local elementary school and businesses in the process?

That was essentially the message at Monday’s 4th annual Holiday Shopping Family Night at Elementary school. Proceeds from the event went to the West End PTA, and more than a dozen local vendors were on hand, selling items such as jewelry, clothing and various accessories.

“People have started shopping for the holidays, and we think it’s great to get all local vendors into one spot,” said Julie Bergin, West End PTA co-President, who organized the event.

Among the vendors in attendance was Christina Cirami, owner of Once Upon a Button, which sells “one of a kind antique button jewelry and accessories.”

Cirami has been in business for 25 years out of her home in East Rockaway, but it was her first time at the West End event. She said she was happy to hand out her business card and network with residents.

“Business is word of mouth, so it’s good to meet and talk to local people,” Cirami said. “It’s all about exposure.”

Another local vendor in attendance was The Lanyard Ladies, who hold “friendship bracelet and lanyard birthday parties.” Owners Colleen Demas and Heidi Shectman, who both teach the craft at in East Rockaway,  do Sweet Sixteen’s, weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and special events.

Demas and Shectman said they were pleased at the turnout of the event, only an hour into it. 

“We did an event in Oceanside, and this has already exceeded sales,” Demas said.

Other vendors at the event included: The Lynbrook Irish Shop, BunnaBows, A Little Bit of This, Arbonne International, Go Cakes NYC, and Lynbrook Football.

Check out photos from the event and for more information on vendors, please email Julie Bergin at westendpta1@gmail.com.