CAZENOVIA — In celebration of National Small Business Saturday, Cazenovia Community Preschool (CCP) will present a Shop Local Holiday Market at the American Legion on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A link to the vendor application can be found on the “CCP Shop Local Holiday Market” Facebook event page. The deadline to apply is Oct. 21.
Elaine Vassie, secretary of the CCP Board of Directors, reported on Oct. 14 that the organizers had already received over 30 vendor applications.
“We’ve had [a] really nice variety of products [ranging] from baby and child gifts to jewelry to personalized cutting boards and ceramics,” Vassie said. “We will also be selling our wreaths and poinsettias, so whether it’s some holiday decor or gifts, we’re sure there will be a great selection for people to choose from.”
Founded in 1969 and operated out of a retrofitted house at 49 Burton St., CCP is a not-for-profit, comprehensive preschool with a mission to provide well-rounded and nurturing learning experiences for children in the Cazenovia area, regardless of ability or family income. The school strives to support the full development of each child’s potential.
The holiday market fundraiser sale will support the CCP’s tuition assistance program to ensure that families can access preschool education regardless of their financial situation.
The event will also support the CazCares food pantry and clothing closet by serving as a collection location for donations of personal care products and kids’ coats.
“For the first year, we are really focused on making this a true community event that supports local businesses and connects them to each other and the community,” said Vassie. “We know, therefore, that our costs to promote in year one will be higher than subsequent years, but it’s about building the foundation of an event that can be a key part of our community for years to come.”
Vassie has two children at CCP; Arden is in his second year of the “Lizard” kindergarten readiness program, and Isla just started in the “Honeybee” class this year.
“When we relocated to Cazenovia from Texas last year, we really wanted our children to be part of a community and for their introduction to the education system to be a positive, supportive, and caring one,” Vassie said. “From our first interactions with CCP, it was obvious they truly cared about each child individually and were driven to support and nurture their development emotionally and socially. We couldn’t have asked for a better welcome to the area for us as a family, so joining the board was an easy decision as it felt like a good way to support the mission and share the message further.”
The American Legion Post 88 building is located at 26 Chenango St., Cazenovia.
To learn more about CCP, visit cazenoviacommunitypreschool.com.
