Holiday sale brings out shoppers at Bushy Run Battlefield

Dec. 12—Bill and Karen Gourdie were ready for the rush.

The owners of Bushy Run Winery brought 30 cases to sell Sunday afternoon for the fourth annual Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society Christmas sale.

"They'll probably be all gone by the end of the day," Karen Gourdie said.

Husband Bill serves as wine maker for the company that operates out of the couple's Penn Township home. For the last nine years the Gourdies have donated to the association that runs the battlefield's museum, giving $1 for every bottle it has sold, a total that has topped $14,000.

Bushy Run Winery was among the 17 private vendors, along with the battlefield museum's gift shop, that participated in the holiday-themed craft sale in the battlefield's visitor center. An eclectic mix of wares including jewelry, hand-crafted tin lanterns, wooden American flags and restored model train cars were on sale Sunday.

The historic site next summer will commemorate the 260th anniversary of the August 1763 battle between British soldiers and

Colonial rangers fighting against a group of Native Americans that ambushed them as they were en route to break the Native American siege of Fort Pitt.

Melissa Fligger, vice president of the Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society, said Sunday's craft show will benefit the organization's efforts next year and beyond.

"We are for the first time hiring a full-time manager who will work year round and have general oversight of the museum and our event planning. This sale will help make that happen," Fligger said.

The Christmas sale was the last event at the battlefield's museum site until spring. The park grounds are open year round.

About 600 people attended last year's sale and Fligger said another large crowd was expected Sunday.

Leslie Falatovich, 60, of Greensburg said it was first time shopping at the battlefield Christmas sale and purchased a hand-made wooden American flag as a holiday gift for her nephew.

"I was trying to get gifts and was looking for something very unique," Falatovich said.

The flag she purchased was made by Paul Krause of Murrysville who retired last summer after a career as a baker.

"When I retired I wanted to do something, and I started make them this summer," Krause said. "People are patriotic, and I thought it would be a good seller."

Krause and his wife, who also make vases from slices of trees, sold about 10 of their wooden flags during the first hour of Sunday's sale.

Julie Hopp, 65, of Export was shopping for candles at the Tin Man Roy booth that featured handmade lanterns and other handmade items that reflect the 1700 and 1800s.

"I come to the battlefield a lot but this was my first time at the Christmas sale. It's a nice way to spend time this time of year," Hopp said.

Rich Cholodofsky is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Rich by email at rcholodofsky@triblive.com or via Twitter .