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Date: 10/24/2023
EASTHAMPTON — It’s a little bit candy and a little bit crafty. On Oct. 29, The first ever Oh My Gourd! Trick or Treat craft fair will bring together a safe venue for kids to trick or treat while allowing the adults the opportunity to shop for crafts and the crafters to interact with customers in new ways.
“This event’s main purpose is to bring forward a welcoming environment for community members to come out and browse with our vendors alongside family fun,” said Alyssa Atkinson, the owner of Aspen & Blaine Co. and the organizer of the event. “I am proud to provide an opportunity for local families to bring their children out to trick-or-treat in a safe and fun way.”
The fair will have a wealth of different vendors and crafts for people to shop including crochet, candles, artwork, authors and bakers. Riff’s Joint food truck will be there for people to enjoy. In addition, local businesses like Aurora Jewelers will be there. Organizers will also host a 50/50 raffle and other raffles with items donated by the vendor to benefit St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
“I am particularly excited to enjoy goods from our bakery vendors as well as the enrichment and sensory toys that will be available to purchase with Alisha The OT,” said Atkinson. “I can say with honesty that I am thrilled to browse all of our vendors and there are just too many to list.”
The vendors themselves will be providing the treats for the kids as they venture from table to table trick or treating.
“We encourage event goers to stop in and visit their tents as they walk around to trick or treat,” said Atkinson. “You may even just get a start on your holiday shopping while at this event.”
Although it’s only the first year for the event, Atkinson has seen a lot of interest and sees it returning year after year. She also has high hopes as the event serves as a kickoff for her new small business.
“Aspen & Blaine Co. has been a dream for a couple years now that is now coming to fruition,” said Atkinson. “As we start completely new we are of course not at our end goal. We will be starting with women’s clothing ranging from small to xx-large for tops and size 0 to size 22 for bottoms. I aim to expand this business to be as inclusive as possible.”
Atkinson says she loves to create these events that offer so much for a range of people, including the vendors, kids, and the community as a whole.
“I aim to provide what I seek for safety hand in hand with enrichment for my own children,” said Atkinson. “Being the host and a vendor myself, the success and enjoyment for my vendors is a priority as well.”
The event will take place in the parking lot of City Hall on Oct. 29 from 12 to 5 p.m. Entry is free. Vendors will accept cash, and some may accept Venmo or credit cards.