As SCV transitions from stuffing and turkey to stockings and ornaments, Friends of Hart Park in collaboration with LA County Department of Park and Recreation held its fifth Annual Hart Holiday Boutique and Craft Fair.
The fall boutique featured various holiday themed crafts and gifts.
“There’s a lot of fashion accessories, Christmas and holiday ornaments,” said Albert Ewing, the recreation service leader for William S. Hart Park.
“When you shop at a boutique, it’s a very personalized experience,” said Winona Dorris, a vendor for a women’s clothing booth at the event. “When you go into Kohl’s or a big store you can get what you want, but you won’t have a relationship with the person.”
Many shoppers feel that events featuring local vendors offer a more intimate and pleasant shopping experience.
“They’re not in a hurry like when you go into the store,” says Karen Forte, a shopper that was browsing Dorris’ clothing booth. “You have a conversation with the person, you get to know the people.”
On top of Christmas-themed merchandise, the boutique offered an assortment of unique items that are not always offered in bigger markets.
“I just enjoy finding homemade jewelry and gifts and always trying to find something unusual that you find at these things rather than the stores,” said Joi Wilson, a shopper who attends boutiques regularly.
According to Ewing, three to six hundred people were expected to attend.
“It’s always 25 vendors a day and the prices are really affordable,” said Ewing.
All vendors paid a fee that went to Friends of Hart Park, a non-profit organization dedicated to the projects around the park.
“We pay for vet bills, we put benches along the park and we are currently working on redoing Hart Hall,” said Becki Basham, vice president of the organization’s board.
“We made about 2,000 (dollars),” she said.
