Alicia Lurye of AK Entertainment is happy to be hosting the "Winter Wonderland of Arts, Crafts & Gifts" this weekend at Batavia Downs Casino. She said this is the first Christmas show at the Downs for many years.
"They just haven't found anyone willing to do it," she said. "And look at the turnout."
A lot of people came to browse and buy what 40 crafters and vendors had to offer:
Tami Burbules of East Pembroke offered free samples of her bread dips. She is selling them in addition to desserts, veggie dips and other treats from Gourmet Creations.
Pam Perkins, of Small Town Girl, dazzled passersby with precious stones, different colored copper wires and glass beads.
Nearby, perfume bottles, tunics and other goods made in Egypt were on display.
Hosting this table were Mary Feola and her daughter, Staci (both pictured below). The best friend of Staci's fiancé -- who is Egyptian -- made the perfume bottles; she and her fiancé made the tunics.
Joanne Lee, of Palmyra-based Goldy's Goodies, with her jewelry and mosaic art (pictured below).
Susan Johnson, of LeRoy, promoted her homemade hot sauce, "Susi's Sauce" -- which fans promise to be "better than Frank's" -- and had free samples with pretzel sticks.
Flavors include Original Hot, Sweet Heat, Double Dog Dare, Triple Dog Dare and Hot Mess (habenero with garlic).
Pictured here is Lory Volkmar of Maple Grove Saddlery, a full-service tack shop for Western and English riders located in Pavilion.
In addition to riders' gear, they also have a gift shop as well as organic nut/peanut butters, jellies and local honey. These were on display at the craft show.
Sue Maniace and her daughter, Olivia, represented Cookie Lee Jewelry, which is a home show business. Look at all that bling!
Linda Dove, left, and Danielle Eckert handed out information on ESL Federal Credit Union, which just opened in Batavia on Nov. 1. It's at 4214 Veterans Memorial Drive.
For those of you who are interested in coming to the show later today or tomorrow, the ESL folks are also raffling off a $100 gift certificate to Alex's Place.
Bruce Kellogg (left), Pete Rickert (center) and Ed Cornbau man a table on behalf of the Conesus Lake Riders Motorcycle Club.
Sean Lamore and Sara Holman, of the Ithaca-based "Peace, Love and Rocks," made the Downs one of the many stops they take as they travel the state selling various common and lesser known types of rock.
One of the more obscure items in their eclectic collection is Shiva Lingam (pictured below), which comes from the Normada River in India.
This piece was advertised at the Bath Fitter table.
Attendees entered two separate drawings for two chances to win a free dollhouse.
Cheryl Snead showcased her signature "brings" (bracelets with rings attached) and barefoot sandals. She was there to promote Happi Feet & Happi Hands, a Rochester-based company. The proceeds of her sales help to benefit a young man she knows who will soon be going to Haiti on a mission trip.
Melissa Martin handed out information on New Directions Youth & Family Services.
Shanna Carmer of Everdry Waterproofing (located in Gates) gave people information and the opportunity to enter to win a free $200 gift card for Michael's or Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts.
Jonathan Yawbshowed what Cheri's Gift Shop in Rochester had to offer.
Marshall Cranmer held out one of his cinnamon-scented beeswax pinecones for a customer to smell.
Cranmer came all the way from Butler, Penn., to advertise Beeswax Window Ornament's pinecones, which give off pleasant scents when the sun shines on them while hanging in the window.
"They stay strong for a good six to nine months," Cranmer said.
Phyllis Wagner from Mary Kay, with products for men and women.
Debbie Geisler, of Nanny Naturals Goat Milk Soap in Holley, holds up two of her products.
Bob and Jane Graham, of Bob and Jane's Place, in Boston, pose with their fudge samples (try the peanut butter fudge -- it's outstanding).
Independent Chocolatier Mary Pionessa, of Dove Chocolate, does home chocolate parties for a living. At the craft and gift show, she took orders for "Sweet" Christmas gift ideas under $20.
There were many other vendors' tables, too. This event is free and open to the public. It lasts until 5 this afternoon, and then from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. tomorrow.
