By ANNA GILGOFF

Special to The Press

Local artisans and crafters featured a wide array of assorted items for sale at the vendor event sponsored by Ebenezer United Church of Christ on a cool March Saturday.

“This is the first time we’re having a vendor event,” Sheila Burkert said as she welcomed shoppers with a smile on March 22. “I’m giving out raffle tickets and plant coupons, and I’m a good shopper.”

Vendors responded to fliers that advertised the event at different area locations.

“There were at least 16 vendors who rented tables,” Susan Christ said. “Women of the church spearheaded the Ebenezer Café and urged volunteers to come out.”

At John Handler’s table, his comic book work was on full display.

“I love comics, telling stories and playing games,” said Handler, who “went to school originally for digital art and design.”

“I used to do comic conventions as far as Pittsburg before COVID,” he said. “But I have too many hobbies.”

A table stacked with colorful candy in clear plastic containers was hard to miss.

“We make all of this ourselves,” said David Vaillette, who runs Lehigh Treats in Slatington. “I buy candies that I freeze dry and that dramatically changes the flavor and texture.”

Vaillette is a canning and freeze-drying enthusiast, who is also a jack of all trades, doing everything from volunteering at four fire companies to long haul trucking.

“I’m donating baskets all the time,” said the genial inventor who is looking forward to the 126 other events he has already booked to the end of this year.

But candy lovers need not attend any one of them.

“Anyone can go online to order,” he said.

For custom freeze-dried candy and more, shoppers can go to LehighTreats.com.

The unusual candy treats interested Leah Maclein.

“My parents own the KOA Campground,” she said. “Our customers are always looking to purchase items from local businesses.”

“We have a store at the campground where lots of people from out of town and out of the country like to shop.”

What Vaillette had in sweets, Ida Detweiler had in sparkle at a nearby table where suncatchers and other glass creations refracted light in every direction.

“I retired in October and was looking for something to do and keep me out of trouble,” she joked. “And besides, I like sparkly things.”

With assistance from Dolly Fuchs, “my best friend of 55 years, I’m doing very well,” Detweiler said, as glass dragonflies caught the light.

Her inventory somewhat changes with the season.

“At Christmastime, I make Christmas spiders,” she said, adding custom orders are available.

Plenty of homemade quilts were also available at the event and some of them were inspired by vintage patterns.

“This has been going on since the beginning of the church,” Diane Di Martino said, who meets regularly with three dedicated quilters at the church.

“Some of the baby quilts we have here we did as homework,” she said.

Hungry shoppers were able to purchase hot dogs, barbecue and even spinach quiche at the Ebenezer Café.

Plenty of baked goods were also offered.

Spring will be a busy time at Ebenezer Church.

A penny party is planned for April 5 and the annual Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for April 19.

The Ladies Spring Tea will take place on May 3.