The township’s holiday bazaar will return to the Deptford Community Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.
It is the township’s first major event for the holiday season. Vendors will represent local businesses and crafters will be on hand inside the community center’s gymnasium to help residents get a head start on holiday shopping.
Some of what people can expect to see at the event are custom-made Christmas wreaths, clothing, tree ornaments and handcrafted toys. Baked goods will also be for sale and refreshments will be offered.
The event is open to kids and adults alike. Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance and will talk to people on a variety of topics. The community center will be decorated with holiday decorations.
“The holiday bazaar will feature community-based businesses,” said Mayor Paul Medany. “They make some truly creative items and people can get some really unique things for the holidays.”
According to the mayor, last year’s bazaar drew about 50 vendors, and the township is expecting the same number for this year. Vendors who want to participate can reach out to the parks and recreation department, the event’s organizers, by emailing deptfordparksandrec@deptford-nj.org.
The township is expecting between 400 and 500 people to attend the event, which was also the number who attended last year. The event is free to attend, with the exception of vendor purchases.
“It’s meant to promote local business and to encourage people to shop locally,” said Medany. “The township council and I will be there as well.”
This year’s holiday bazaar will be the third and will kick off the township’s holiday event schedule, which also includes the annual tree lighting at the Deptford Recreation Center on Friday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m.; and the senior winter wonderland on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., also at the community center.
“It is the recreation department that helps set all of our events up,” said Medany. “They always do a great job with everything.”