Mini-Mall returns Saturday

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By Serena Kovalosky

The Whitehall Mini-Mall is back and organizers say it’s going to be better than ever.
Sponsored by the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce, the Annual Holiday Craft Fair and Mini-Mall will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Whitehall Athletic Club, located at 62 Poultney St. in Whitehall.
Santa will make a special visit from noon to 2 p.m. with candy canes for the kids and photo opportunities.
“We skipped a year, but the Chamber members plan to keep it an annual event,” said co-organizer Holly Rabideau. “We’d like to grow it into something big.”
More than 45 vendors from the local and surrounding region and Vermont will present unique gifts for holiday shoppers looking for something special.
“We have a great lineup of good quality vendors,” said co-organizer Bethe Reynolds.
A selection of downtown Whitehall businesses will participate, featuring antiques and collectibles from Carol’s Collectibles, jewelry, books and candles from The Times Emporium and “superhero gift items” from Freakopolis Geekery.
Talented artists and crafters will offer one-of-a-kind handmade creations including vintage gifts, ornaments, cutting boards, gourmet cupcakes, maple syrup, knitted creations, soy candles, soaps, canned goods, wood toys and carvings, photography, paintings, gift baskets and pet bandanas.
Local direct sales vendors will round out the mix with popular products from well-known companies such as Mary Kay, Young Living Essential Oils and LuLaRoe.
The Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company will also have a special table with tips on fire prevention.
There will be a grand prize raffle for a hand-crafted “American Girl” Treehouse, created by Francis Kinney of Simply Pine Toys in Poultney.
“The treehouse is actually for any 18-inch doll,” said Kinney, who creates wooden toys for children as well as “display toys” for adults. The treehouse is three feet high and even includes a ladder and tire swing. It is currently on display at Berkshire Bank in Whitehall and will be brought over to the Athletic Center for the Mini Mall event.
Pub food and drinks will be available at the Athletic Club bar where hungry shoppers can get fueled up. “It’s also a place for non-shoppers to relax, grab a bite or a drink and watch television while their spouses and significant others are at the Mini-Mall,” said Rabideau.
“We are fortunate to have such a beautiful and spacious venue as the Whitehall Athletic Club for the Mini-Mall. It’s the perfect option,” said co-organizer Dana Grant.
The event also hopes to provide a tourism boost to downtown businesses.
“One of the goals is to bring more people into Whitehall – especially those who normally just drive through,” said Rabideau. “We want them to stop and visit our small businesses and see what Whitehall has to offer.”
In the spirit of the season, visitors to the Mini-Mall are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or monetary donation to benefit the Whitehall Food Pantry.
For more information about the annual Holiday Craft Fair and Mini-Mall, contact Holly Rabideau at 518-499-0220.