An article I covered for the Center Moriches Tide/The Long Island Advance.

Wrapped in scarves and buttoned up jackets, close to 1,500 people attended the second annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches this past Saturday, November 24th. The festival was held in the gymnasium of the Clayton Huey Elementary School on Main Street in Center Moriches from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The holiday festival included many different stations of arts and crafts, including Christmas ornaments, knitted goods, cosmetics, scented oils, decorative Tupperware, photography, picture frames, and even cupcakes. There was also a Chinese auction, a raffle basket for the Benefit of the American Cancer Society, and a visit from Santa.

“A prime mission of the Chamber is to promote and support local business,” said Arthur Gerhauser, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches. “The more often our residents come to Main Street, the more they will see that the local merchants that support the community can supply their needs at competitive prices.”

Julie Pratt, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches said that people enjoy being part of a close knit community. “Center Moriches is a great little community and people love being a part of it.” She and Gerry Sapanaro, treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches, were set on holding the event on November 24^th because it was Small Town Business Day, a day for small town business owners to show what they’ve got.

The owner of the family-run business, CommonScents, Pam Penta, showcased her variety of fragrance oils, pure essential oils, perfumes, and colognes. “Everything I sell is pure and there is no alcohol included in anything,” she said. She picked up a small tube of lemon verbena essential oil. “You can add this to bath water or lotion, use it as a perfume, you can add these to anything, even clothes in your dryer and the scent lasts.” Other scents Pam had to offer included peppermint, lavender, strawberry-vanilla, and many other refreshing, natural fragrances.

An independent sales representative from Avon, Patricia “Trisha” Knez, was proud to display her variety of sparkling jewelry and colorful cosmetics. “Avon has everything,” she said. “I have collectibles, handbags, clothing, makeup, everything, all for rock bottom prices.” She said she’s dedicated to Avon because they’re the single largest supporter of the Breast Cancer Crusade. “I bring in thousands of dollars to the Breast Cancer Crusade every year. Avon is a really good company and that’s why I work with them.”

Tracey O’Reilly and her daughter Brenna, from Eastport, and Carly Traynor, from Remsenburg, came to the holiday festival because they enjoy shopping for Christmas gifts. “We love craft fairs and we got to get a Christmas gift for our grandma,” said Carly with a big smile.

Upcoming events by the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches include the annual tree lighting, on Friday, December 7^th at 7p.m. at Neville Park, along with caroling, music, complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, and a visit by Santa. The Holiday Parade sponsored by the Center Moriches Fire Department will be held on Saturday, December 8^th at 6p.m., on Main Street.