EASTON, Pa. - For the past five weekends, Easton’s Winter Village welcomed shoppers under lighted trees while holiday carols rang in the air.
Patrons sipped hot chocolate or mulled wine and rode a horse-drawn carriage around Centre Square if they weren’t ice skating.
- Easton's third annual Winter Village wrapped up Sunday
- It ran five weekends in and around Centre Square
- Some vendors are still taking orders to be filled in time for Christmas
Sunday was the last day for the third annual Winter Village, but there’s still time to get last-minute presents from some of the vendors who participated Downtown.
Here are a few I met over the weekend:
Crocheted stuffed animals
Kimberly Muschlitz has been crocheting blankets and scarves for over 20 years.
She started making animals after she was laid off from her job in 2019. She said she was bored, found a Pinterest board with crocheted stuffed animals and her husband encouraged her to make one.
Over three days she watched videos, found patterns and made a unicorn. She said friends wanted one for themselves.
“So here we are three years later and it’s my side business and it’s my way of spreading a little bit of joy and love into the world,” Muschlitz said.
Before she sells each stuffed animal, she said, she gives them a little hug and tells them that when they get out in the world, they’re going to have to love their person and take care of them.
“I kind of say each animal has their person and so they stay with me until their person finds them,” Muschliz said.
“It’s hoppin’, happenin’ and the place to be.”Heather Webb, Token 249
Zipper or “Zippy” for short is one such stuffed animal that at the time of the interview Muschlitz said hadn't found a home. Zippy is a black, green and white Zebra that’s been with Muschlitz for about a year. She said that some day he’ll find someone who needs him.
Otherwise, Muschlitz said the Winter Village was good to her. She sold out of animals about every weekend.
Muschlitz also sells scarves, hats and other items at Crochet Creations By KG.
Spinner rings and handmade fair trade jewelry
Spinner rings have been popular this year for Lauren DelVecchio, who runs a fair trade and handmade jewelry shop.
They’re better known as fidget rings or worry rings that people can use to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Key chain necklaces are also big and trendy right now, DelVecchio said. Some of the jewelry sold at the Winter Village huts were made by DelVecchio herself.
The Easton Winter Village may be over for the season, but there's plenty of good holiday shopping to be found at our city's more than 40 small business retailers. Many of them have extended hours this week.
— City of Easton PA Official (@cityofeastonpa) December 20, 2022
Please #shopsmall and #buylocal to support them. https://t.co/UE8IUPAl1s pic.twitter.com/BhltFEPTj7
“I’ve been in the jewelry business for years,” she said. “I kind of took a hiatus when I had my kids years ago. I just bought and sold. But now, I wanted to do something with a little bit more purpose so I really focused on handmade fair trade and then I just wanted to make my own designs.”
DelVecchio said that she sells around Easton at different shows but she also has a website.
Knickknacks and more with Token 249
Token 249 didn’t have to travel far to be a part of the Winter Village. They’re right down the street off Centre Square at 249 Northampton St.
Though not far, they hosted a hut with a few of their knickknacks like noodle bowls, ornaments and bobbing Santas that a customer couldn’t help but imitate.
Heather Webb helped out Token 249’s hut.
WIth construction finished at Centre Square, Webb said people were interested in checking out the shops and the completed renovations.
“It’s hoppin’, happenin’ and the place to be,” Webb said.
Token 249’s hut had candles, holiday cards, and jewelry that can be found at the shop.
