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BEDFORD, N.Y. For more than 25 years, the annual St. Patrick Christmas Boutique has drawn a large crowd of seasonal shoppers and this year was no different. Throughout the day Saturday, visitors from near and far flocked to St. Patricks Parochial school to search and buy from vendors, eat holiday food, and get into the festive spirit.
Local and distant vendors made their way to the event, bringing people like Annette Carrubba, who hails from Staten Island and owns Jewelry By Annette.
I heard they have a very big turnout, and a lot of vendors, so I thought it was the place to go, she said.
Last year, the school nearly raised $30,000 from the fundraiser, which receives money through booking vendors, café items, and raffle tickets. The funds go towards school-wide improvements, such as desks, chairs, and playground equipment.
Its going great. Everyones having a good time. Theres a lot of kids, grandparents, a lot of traffic all day. It brings local crafts together in one place, said Zulma Hayes, president of St. Patricks Parents Association. We just hope it surpasses last year.
Santa Claus made an appearance from the North Pole, giving children a chance to have a smile or two by sitting on his lap and sharing what they want for the holidays.
Today has been a great day, especially here in the Santa room. We have lots of kids coming in to meet Santa and tell him what they want for Christmas, said volunteer Maja Tarateta, a mother of two children at St. Patricks.
Even Santa couldnt represent the best of what the boutique brings out, said Tarateta, who added that it brings together locals and long-distance travelers to celebrate the giving season.
Its really a community event, its not a St. Patricks event. Its for everyone, she explained. Its a great opportunity for people who live nearby to get started on their holiday shopping and to get in the festive spirit right before Thanksgiving.
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