The Van Aken district hosts Saturday “Makers Market” for small businesses; Larchmere Holiday Stroll celebrates 50 years

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio – Barring drops of hot chocolate, there shouldn’t be any “supply chain” issues during the holidays, as the Van Aken District hosts a “Market Makers” as part of the “Shop Small” Saturday “November 27.

Meanwhile, the historic Larchmere district will be celebrating its 50th annual holiday walk on Friday and Saturday (November 26-27), with free horse-drawn carriage rides, goodies at select local shops, and even ‘little Saturday-to-day deals. offer, ”Katharyne Starinsky, senior economic development specialist for Shaker Heights, noted.

As part of the Shop Small Saturday event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Van Aken District retailers like Ladder, Old Brooklyn Cheese Company, Candy Lady and Kids, District Gallery, RS Boutique and others will offer special promotions.

The first floor of the parking lot will also be decorated for the Makers Market event, featuring more than 20 local manufacturers, noted Silvia Iorio, Van Aken District Marketing Coordinator.

“This celebration will feature the perfect creations for holiday shopping lists, such as home decor, baked goods, hair accessories, self-care notebooks, clothing, cosmetics, tea, jewelry made. in hand and much more, ”said Iorio.

She added that the first 250 people to show up will receive a free “Shop Local” tote bag.

“Part of what makes Van Aken so special is that we’re one of the largest small business groups in Northeast Ohio,” said Iorio. “Indeed, part of our mantra is to rent to small businesses. “

Some of these local manufacturers on site will include:

– Sarah Sherepita, Ninja City Kitchen and Bar, urban Asian cuisine based on food: https://www.instagram.com/ninjacitykitchen

– Charron Leeper, Perfect Pineapple, which are hair accessories such as handmade head wraps: https://www.instagram.com/perfectpineapplewraps

– Mary Ober, Revy Fair Trade, personal accessories that help artisans in El Salvador share their creations with fair buyers around the world: https://www.instagram.com/revyfairtrade/

– Dasia Clemente, with No Stylist Urban Apparel LLC, which sells clothes: https://www.instagram.com/nostylistua/

– Lauren Tatarchuk, with HNTRSS, clothes that combine a hoodie with a vest and a scarf: https://www.instagram.com/hntresswear/

– JoAnn Rawley with Funktini, interior design including functional and non-functional items such as glassware: https://www.facebook.com/funktini/

– Renee Boyle, Good Parts, funky, rustic art from mostly found objects, various driftwood collections, pallets, and more. : https://www.instagram.com/goodpartscle/

– Meg Greenwald with MG Studio, Art by Meg Greenwald, interior decoration in resin and fluid art: https://www.instagram.com/meggreenwaldart/

– Julianne Aprile with Julianne Aprile Handmade Creations, fiber art for home decor, plus some wearable items: https://www.instagram.com/julianne.aprile/

– Eric Silverman with Dude About Town, creating works of art focused on architecture and photography: https://www.instagram.com/clevelanddudeabouttown/

– Karen Wilson with Little Bird Acres LLC, home accessories like candles, incense, etc. : https://www.instagram.com/little_bird_acres_llc/

– Allison Jacobs, with Floriponya, handmade clothes and accessories: https://www.instagram.com/floriponya/

– Olivia Grandis with Liv by Olivia Grandis, designing “timeless but innovative designs with a little edge”: https://www.instagram.com/livbyoliviagrandis/

– Courtney McKeegan with the little bakery, with handmade gifts for the kids: https://www.instagram.com/littlebakery_co/

– Travis Howe with Fat T’s Cookies, innovative cookies: https://www.instagram.com/fat_ts_cookies/

– Chelsea Bradley with Sophies Sweet Treatz, cupcakes, cookies and more: https://www.instagram.com/sophies_sweet_treatz/

–Alicia Costello, Noble Fawn Jewelry, lightweight handmade polymer clay jewelry from Cleveland: https://www.instagram.com/noblefawnjewelry/

– Julie Verdon with j. design, crafts and clothing, woodworking, home decor, fleece hats and more: https://www.instagram.com/myjdesign/

– Elizabeth Stineman with milk and cookies, quarter pound cookies with traditional and unique flavors: https://www.instagram.com/milkandcookiescle/

– Lisa DiBlasio with Whiskey Island Clothing, a women-owned clothing company: https://www.instagram.com/whiskeyislandco/

– Caroline Weingart, Shaker’s first peanut-free and nut-free bakery: https://www.instagram.com/lizziesbakerynutfree/

“As you can see, there is a wide range of talent and products waiting for us,” said Iorio. “Because it’s a day to celebrate the local – well worth a celebration every day – our retailers should not be forgotten at this celebration.

“Buyers, visitors, and communities near and far are encouraged to come and buy the offers throughout the district. “

Then, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 4, the Van Aken District will commemorate the most wonderful time of the year with its annual Chill and Toast, a press release noted.

“Moments meant to be shared, like toasting hot chocolate, watching ice sculptures come to life, decorating cookies, dancing to live music, will give everyone a chance to toast,” noted Iorio.

On December 11 and 18 (also both Saturdays), North Union Holiday Markets will feature artists, farmers, local food and gifts just in time for the holidays and holiday shopping inside the Market Hall. .

“Small Business Saturday, Chill and Toast and North Union Holiday Markets are part of the Van Aken District’s continued inclusive mission to embrace communities near and far,” the press release added. “With these winter activities, the district is planning a festive and memorable end of the year.

In his latest online signal to the inhabitantsMayor David Weiss said the city’s small business community has grown significantly in recent years, even during the pandemic.

“In fact, since 2020, 29 new small businesses have opened, joining many long-standing local businesses,” Weiss said. “There are now more shopping opportunities than ever before in all of our business districts – from Fairmount Circle to the Bloc in Almar, Shaker Towne Center and along Chagrin and Lee to Larchmere, as well as the Van Aken district. . ”

Weiss added that “With all the supply chain issues we hear about, this is definitely the year to shop here at Shaker. And as we know, for every $ 100 spent locally, $ 48 flows back into the community. “

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