Santa makes first stop of the year at Utica's Union Station during Christmas on Main
The holiday season has kicked off in the Mohawk Valley.
Utica's 35th annual Christmas on Main Street was held at Union Station on Saturday, Nov. 18.
In historic Bagg’s Square, families gathered to enjoy free entertainment, food vendors and wave hello to Santa. Utica Events and the Mohawk Valley Latino Association made sure that the day was filled with festivities.
The Holiday Craft Fair attracted several vendors – offering a chance to get ahead on holiday shopping and support small businesses.
Santa and Mrs. Claus made a guest appearance. They stayed for a photo op and took note of whispered Christmas wishes.
Winnie Jackson and her nine year old son stood in line for forty-five minutes in anticipation of Santa.
“Events like these are so important to our community,” shared Jackson. “On the wagon ride this morning I was telling my son how despite the cold the feeling of the whole event felt warm.”
Mom & daughter duo
Debi and Hannah Kusmierczak have been making homemade hair bows together for 14 years. They don't sell goods online so it’s craft fairs like these that keep their business afloat.
“I love getting to work with my mom,” said Hannah. “It’s nice to be able to spend time with her and help spread holiday cheer throughout the community.”
The Kusmierczak’s make hair bows for local dance recitals and sports teams. During the holiday season they shift to spotlight themed movie characters such as actor Will Farrell as “Buddy” from Elf.
The scent of Christmas
LeeAnn Santa Maria started her candle-making business four years ago as a side hustle. After creating a Facebook and website to sell her products on the brand took off, she said.
“This season there is a tied between our best selling scent; cinnamon and Christmas tree are at a standstill,” explained Santa Maria.
“We don’t just offer candles – we also have room sprays, wax smells, and car fresheners.” Her kids urged her to start making homemade car fresheners after they blew-up on TikTok.
“I’ve been selling my holiday line at craft fairs since October and we’ve sold more car fresheners than candles,” said Santa Maria.
Next weekend she will set up her booth at the Christmas & Crafts fair at Turning Stone.
A new kind of mistletoe
Instead of mistletoe Sue Baron – owner of C&N Treasures – sells pots of Lucky Bamboo – a household plant that grows well when left out of direct sunlight. In Chinese tradition, the amount of stalks you keep in your home corresponds to the energy you'll attract. Baron noted that the pots with two stalks are said to attract love.
“We're thrilled to skip the cold and set up inside of Union Station,” said Baron. “When I’m not admiring the architecture I’m watching all the kids' faces filled with joy.”
Giving back
Twin sisters Araya and Alaysaia Ward volunteered to collect donations for the Salvation Army of Utica. Proceeds went directly to the Soup Kitchen.
The Food Bank of Central New York unofficially disclosed that 2023 marked a return to pandemic-level of need. This October 2.1 million pounds of food was distributed – a 27% increase in comparison to last year.
When asked what their favorite part about the holiday season was, the girls unanimously agreed it was spending time with family.
“To be honest there is not much positivity nowadays,” said Alaysaia, handing out a candy cane. “I feel grateful during Christmas but all year round there is a reason to be appreciative.”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: 35th annual Christmas on Main Street in Utica
