It’s time to do some serious shopping and knock off our Christmas gift list and attend some holiday events. Why shop locally? The answer is so simple it keeps our money in our community- sales taxes fund our neighborhoods and pay for services such as police and fire protection, road repairs and local businesses are less susceptible to national business downturns and are more likely to work harder to keep their business open. Local businesses create jobs and hire community people to work at their companies. A local company will always give better services because they believe in the products and while shopping you can discover interesting one-of-a-kind products.

Highland is now a hub for several innovative entrepreneurs who are creating wonderful products. At this time of year many have open house sales at their businesses or rent space at holiday fairs. Two really good fairs are coming up very soon. One of the newest and most brilliant ventures to happen in the Town of Highland is Sullivan Public. Located in the completely renovated old Highway Department garage this huge space has been beautifully transformed into a welcoming, friendly, warm venue and gathering place with couches and chairs to relax in, a place for art classes, inhouse stores for local creatives selling books, clothing, vinyl records, furniture, fresh flowers, antiques, and pottery. The vendors change all the time, and there are activities and things of interest for kids and adults centered around art, hanging out with your neighbors and fabulously interesting things to buy. The Public also holds classes in art, music and movement and ceramics for kids and hosts after school activities. On weekends their busiest time, they have a food truck of some kind in their parking lot- usually it’s Korean BBQ which is great for lunch. Coming up on Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th, from 11-4pm Sullivan Public will be holding a special Holiday Market Weekend. According to Jessie Lazar, a very gifted potter, entrepreneur, owner of Studio Jessie Lazar and the visionary owner of Sullivan Public “we are thrilled to open our doors wide to the community for a gathering and celebration this holiday season…there will be art and gifts, craft projects for children three live music performances and food and drink.” There will be at least twelve new vendors, including Churchill After Hours Coffee and Nikki C’s Kitchen for food. Sullivan Public is located at 16 Proctor Road in Eldred behind the Sunshine Hall Library. For more information go to sullivanpublic.com.

Another shopping event coming up soon is being held at one of my favorite venues- the River’s Edge Restaurant, Bar and Hotel which is located at 3351 Route 97 at the intersection of Route 55 by the bridge in Barryville. The River’s Edge is a wonderful spot with a laid-back comfortable atmosphere, excellent service and great food and drinks. It will be hosting a Holiday Flea on Sunday, December 17th, from noon-5pm featuring a dozen small businesses such as the Velvet Maple, (clothing and household goods) the Ruffed Grouse Gallery (high-quality self-taught and contemporary art), and Lexee a tarot card reader. I chatted with Erika Malik from the River’s Edge, and she told me that there are several unique vendors coming to the Flea, -Vintage Maroc- vintage Moroccan rugs, Shane Pearson will be featuring his Earth Organics skincare products and Jesse G Nursery will be selling fresh cut Christmas trees and wreaths. One of the high-profile vendors will be the designer from the show “Succession” who will be showcasing her own clothing line. Erika said that the River’s Edge will be serving their brunch menu in the Bar while the Flea will take place in the Ballroom. In addition to a wonderful variety of vendors, a special feature at the Market will be a performance by the Children’s Choir from the Barryville Community Church. There will be complimentary hot chocolate and cider available. Erika said that the River’s Edge really wants to do more community events and will be holding more flea markets in their back courtyard during the warm weather. For more information about The River’s Edge Restaurant or the upcoming Flea go to riversedgeny.com.