Shop ‘Til You Drop for the Holidays
‘Tis the season for shopping! And sure, Amazon can be great and convenient, but nothing beats those unique, personal gifts made by local vendors. Local holiday boutiques are underway and there’s a few more chances to pick up some gifts from small businesses.
Last weekend, many folks got early shopping done at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club’s annual Holiday Boutique spearheaded by Susan Lavin. On Friday, December 2, the Yacht Club was packed with vendors and shoppers alike. From local authors, to locals selling homemade jewelry, chocolates, candles, t-shirts, ornaments, and more, there was plenty to choose from. The night also featured both live music by the Rivera Brothers on the second floor and DJ music by DJ Poppa D on the first floor, plus a big 50/50 raffle and smaller raffle prizes donated by the vendors, awarded throughout the evening.
Also kicking off on Friday night was the Broad Channel Crafters’ Craft Fair at the American Legion Hall, that went into Saturday. This shopping extravaganza featured all homemade goodies by the Broad Channel Crafters, from ornaments to household decorations to even baked goods. Plus, there was a 50/50 and a raffle. This craft fair is held each year as a fundraiser, with proceeds going to St. Camillus/ St. Virgilius Church, Christ Presbyterian Church and the American Legion Comfort Warriors Program. At this 33rd annual craft fair, the Crafters were able to raise more than $9,000 to donate to the various charities.
“The Broad Channel Crafters and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary would like to thank all those who supported our fair. A special thank you to our generous and talented neighbors, friends and family members for their donations of baked goods and handmade crafts helping to make our event successful,” the Broad Channel Crafters shared on Facebook after the successful weekend.
There are still opportunities to shop ‘til you drop. Some will be taking place this weekend. On Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., head to the Rockaway Brewing Co at 415 Beach 72nd Street, consider grabbing a brew, and shop your heart out. There will be linens, jewelry, art, t-shirts, beauty products, candy, baked goods and more. Also on Saturday, December 10, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., head to Bungalow Bar on Beach 92nd Street for a shopping Saturday! Complimentary prosecco will be available for shoppers while you shop from local vendors selling t-shirts, scrubs, etched glassware, jewelry, skin products, candles, eyewear, wooden signs and more.
On Sunday, December 11, head to Ruffle Bar (919 Cross Bay Blvd.) in Broad Channel for their Sip ‘n Shop event from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., where they’ll have vendors selling handmade gifts. Sip on a spiked hot chocolate or coquito while you shop! Then the following weekend, had to The Rockaway Hotel on Beach 108th Street for their annual Holiday Market on December 17 and 18 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. And after shopping, consider stopping for The Rooftop or Margie’s for a few bites. Margie’s will also be hosting a brunch those days from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., with a special appearance by Santa.
Unfortunately, the annual shopping boutique at St. Camillus is cancelled this year. For any other upcoming shopping opportunities, make sure to check out the Rockaway Times’ Things to Do and Rockaway Good Times pages.
