The intersection of Fulton Street and Marcy Avenue is alive with Christmas festivities, thanks to the Fourth Annual Bed Stuy Gateway Business Improvement Shop Small Popup Market where gift items will be available for sale on Thursday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., until Dec. 23.
Dale Charles, executive director of Bed-Stuy Gateway BID, who serves as Mrs. Claus, spreading cheer from “Santa’s Hollow” said the market started with tents, but thanks to Wells Fargo funding, and support from the Van Alen Institute, the Winter Wonderland was created.
“This is my second-year officiating. We now include gift-giving to the kids and free rides up and down the avenue during the season. We also welcomed small businesses from the community,” said Charles.
A recent ribbon-cutting honored small business owners who were presented with $5,000 each, to help them stay in business during the holidays, said Charles, who thanked sponsors, Con Edison, Chase Bank, and others for their continued contributions to the community.
“Help these vendors so that they stay afloat for the holidays. They have great gift ideas, like arts and craft, clothing, jewelry, and hair and skin products. This is a great opportunity for shoppers. I was born and raised in Bed Stuy,” said Charles. She noted that toys valued at $10,000 were available for distribution while supplies last or until Dec. 23. She also invited the public to her birthday celebration on Dec. 7 where a surprise was being planned.
Charles was excited to bring the annual tradition back to the village of Bedford-Stuyvesant, and thanked Wells Fargo, partners, and supporters who continue to make the “Winter Wonderland a treasured affair for generations to come.”
The open-air holiday shopping center showcases the works of severalf vendors whose creativity bring a liveliness to the community.
JDArts By Jessica, handmade Black Artwork Canvas and Gifts of colorfully dressed ladies, with big afros capture the beauty of her creativity. Some of the themed paintings, “I am Loved,” “I am Brave,” “Caring” “Sisterhood,” “Embrace Hair,” range in price, from $200.00 depending on the size and creation. (https://www.etsy.com/shop/jdartbyjessica#reviews)
Barbados native, Heather said she was inspired to create her own collection of earrings and necklaces, after taking a class, and continues to produce colorful, detailed pieces that she was now selling at the Winter Wonderland.
Vendor of Virginia’s Clay & Cloth line of scarves said her pieces were created with love, suited to every occasion, and reasonably priced. Cle’ Botanicals in turn, were created to combat opioid use. His products aim to change many things that are plaguing “our communities, holding back our youth. I have a son who has been dependent for five years of his life.” Cle’ said he wants to break the cycle, so he created a product line to combat the addiction.
The festively greenhouse designed booths, also showcase Buttered by Kenya, a collection of skincare flavors of the Black and Oatmeal Soap, Lip Butter, Edible Body Butter, that the entrepreneur of T&T and Aruba heritage, made with love to enhance her skin 10 years ago, but has been sharing for the past five years with the public. (www.ButteredByKenya.com) Instagram @butteredbyKenya, on Facebook email – Butteredbykenya@gmail.com
Business owner Robin Sanders celebrates her jewel line of $5.00 accessories of rings, necklaces, and bracelets at her booth, and online www.Robins-elegant-jewels.square.site.
Local vendor, Dr. Rev. Upshaw, has a beautiful array of vintage outfits in skirt suits, coats, sequin dresses, and other outfits, ready to please the pocket of holiday shoppers.
The Bed-Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District (BID) is among the more than 70 BIDs that serve 85,000 businesses and invest $134 million annually in New York City neighborhoods is a public-private partnership to stimulate economic development and improve the overall quality of life for merchants, residents, and patrons within a defined boundary.
