Local art venues throughout Schuylkill County had plenty to offer holiday shoppers looking for a unique and personalized gift this weekend.
The Schuylkill County Council for the Arts had about 35 vendors Saturday for its fifth annual German Christmas Market, also known as Christkindlmarkt, at the Yuengling Mansion.
The smell of chocolate filled the first floor of the historic building where visitors could buy raffle tickets to win a trip to The Spa at Hotel Hershey. All of the proceeds support Christkindlmarkt, Fredrick Hubler, one of the event organizers, said Saturday.
"Who doesn't love chocolate?" Hubler said. "And in keeping with the theme, we decided to have a chocolate room."
One of the rooms on the first floor had vendors selling chocolate. Another room had a coal mining theme that included a large picture of the St. Nicholas Coal Breaker in Mahanoy Township.
There was also a short story called "The Legend of Breaker" displayed in front of the room. It was written by two volunteers, Tracy Miller and Christi Rich. It tells the story of a deer that acted as a warning for mining disasters. Miller said they just wanted to start their own urban legend.
Peter Cieslukowski, Shenandoah, decorated the mansion. He was also selling paper ornaments called Gwiazda, which is Polish for "star."
"I've been making these stars since I studied there (in Poland)," Cieslukowski said.
A portion of the proceeds from the pink stars went to the Simon Kramer Institute in New Philadelphia. A room was also decorated pink to raise awareness about breast cancer.
Kaeleigh Dicello, 11, of Pottsville, was selling her work for the first time at the mansion Saturday. Dicello had various items she crocheted throughout the year for sale, including shawls, scarves and winter hats.
Dicello said she taught herself how to crochet from instructional videos online after receiving a kit for Christmas a few years ago.
"I enjoy doing it," she said.
"She actually re-inspired her grandmother to pick up the craft again," her mother, Kristen Dicello, said.
At her stand, called Kaeleigh Knitts, she sold about half her items by Saturday afternoon.
"This is why we do it," Hubler said about Christkindlmarkt. "To pave the way for young people like this and encourage them to keep their craft."
A corner of another room had three generations selling crafts.
Jacquie Mozloom, Pottsville, was selling knitted sweaters, blankets and other warm items with her aunt, Barbara Donmoyer, Pine Grove.
"I just love the people and being here in the mansion," Mozloom said. "You meet such nice people."
Mozloom was next to her daughter, Sarah Moyer, who was selling hand-painted ornaments.
"A lot of people are looking for unique and personal gifts and there is so much talent here you can find that perfect gift for someone," Moyer said.
Dale DelMarcelle, Lebanon, was showing off some of her custom-stained glass work and selling smaller items. It was her first time at Christkindlmarkt.
"You can't be here and not smile. The people are so nice," she said.
DelMarcelle has been making stained glass for about 10 years and has a business called Colorful Reflections in Lebanon.
"Once I went to my first class, I was absolutely hooked," she said. "It's just something really fun to do."
With more vendors each year at Christkindlmarkt, the event had to expand to a large tent in the front yard this year. Highlighted with a giant Christmas tree decorated with stained glass, Chef Pierre DeRagon and various artists were selling their products in the tent.
Hope Gattine, Minersville, was selling handmade jewelry and woodcarvings. It was the first time her business, Earthly Essentials, was represented at the event.
"It's nice to show people the artistic ability here in Schuylkill County," Gattine said.
Christkindlmarkt was only one of five events on the Schuylkill County Arts and Cultural Tour called "Spirit of the Holidays" held over the weekend.
Other businesses participating, events and hours today include:
- Mud & Maker, 6 S. Centre St., Pottsville, noon to 5 p.m.
- Old Fashioned Christmas on Main Street at The Shoppes at the Meck Knitting Mill, 101 W. Main St., Schuylkill Haven, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Holiday Market at the Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway Avenue, Schuylkill Haven, noon to 5 p.m.
- The Arts Barn, 3 Berry Road, Schuylkill Haven, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
About $1,000 worth of prizes are being given away for those who have their Spirit of the Holidays card punched at each site. No purchase is necessary.
Another upcoming event is a breakfast with Santa at the Yuengling Mansion from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 14 and 15, hosted by the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts. Adult tickets are $15 and children are $10.
For more information about the Spirit of the Holidays, visit www.celebrateschuylkill.com.