People shop and browse in the Abington Community Library’s conference room during the 2016 Dorothy Boccella Holiday Marketplace.
Abington Journal File Photo
Dorothy Boccella’s family attend the 2016 Dorothy Boccella Holiday Marketplace at the Abington Community Library. From left, Jerry Boccella, his son, Mike, holding daughter, Alexa, 1, his wife, Diana, holding daughter, Allison, 2, Dorothy’s son, Nick, holding his son, Lucas, 1, and Nick’s wife, Ashley.
Abington Journal File Photo
Seasonal quilts, made by Always in Stitches, were hung on the library’s bookshelves during the 2018 marketplace.
Abington Journal File Photo
Judy Detter, right, who has a home-based business called Clever Cakes & Cupcakes, sells her homemade treats with her daughters Allie, left, and Zoe during the 2016 Dorothy Boccella Holiday Marketplace at the Abington Community Library.
Abington Journal File Photo
Pat Kasiewicz, of Scranton, vends jam, pumpkin rolls and sports-themed baskets at the library’s 2018 marketplace.
Abington Journal File Photo
George Sutton, right, lets Molly Sherman, 4, of Scranton, spin the wheel to win to either candy, a free toy, or a song played by George on his canjo during the 2018 event.
Abington Journal File Photo
CLARKS SUMMIT — The Abington Community Library will once again allow people to get their Christmas shopping done early with the 15th annual Dorothy Boccella Holiday Marketplace from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov., 9, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10.
Every year, the marketplace features a vast array of items offered by local businesses and community members. Over 30 vendors will grace the main floor and children’s room as shoppers make their rounds looking for their perfect holiday gifts.
The event was named for the late Dorothy Boccella, who was the library’s public relations coordinator. Boccella envisioned the then-called Holiday Marketplace in 2009 to kick off the holiday season. Since her passing in 2013, it was renamed the Dorothy Boccella Holiday Marketplace.
10-year-old Aly Boccella and her 8-year-old sister, Lexy, will help continue their grandmother’s legacy as they make their debut as vendors. They will sell their handmade, kid-focused crafts including bracelets, stickers and their most popular item — slime.
“They love the event each year, and it’s a really nice connection to their grandmother whom they never met,” said Mike Boccella, Aly and Lexi’s father.
The event’s organizers and library employees Judy Detter and Mary Graham are glad to have Aly and Lexy bring their handmade items.
“A lot of the vendors do have things for younger people, but to have them manning a table of their own crafts specifically for kids is perfect,” said Detter, who manages the vendors.
“We’re so excited to have Aly and Lexy here to continue the tradition of a love for crafting,” said Graham, who organizes the raffles.
Megan Samborski, owner of Five Oaks Herbals, a family-owned business, will vend organic and all-natural health and beauty products such as herbal tinctures, salves, balms, tooth powder and sleep aids.
“I am passionate about teaching others about herbs and natural remedies as well as helping people to find products that are free from chemicals,” said Megan.
For the hungry shoppers, Evil Sweets by Lulu will be there with their famous Oreo and Reese’s Evilbaker Brownies. For the fall season, they will also have pumpkin ricotta cookie sandwiches with marshmallow buttercream cranberry orange shortbreads, and their super-popular chocolate buckeye cookies. They will have gluten-free and sugar-free options as well.
Another food option will be the Mexican food truck 2 Wayz One Passion, which will be parked outside the library during the marketplace.
The marketplace has a record of 108 raffle baskets, which have been donated by local businesses and the community since September. Proceeds will go to technology, furniture, and additional items to designate library spaces.
