The North Country Department Store will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Indian River Middle School off Route 11 in Philadelphia.
"This is the sixth year we have done this, and the school's gymnasium and cafeteria will be filled with vendors. It's an opportunity to bring together a number of small businesses under one roof for the day," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
The vendors will fill just over 80 booths, numbers that are similar to past years. The vendors registered for this year's event sell products ranging from jewelry, housewares, artwork and home decor to antiques, toys, sporting goods and specialty foods.
"The North Country is filled with a wealth of local artisans, food producers and antique dealers. As the holiday season arrives, it's good to be aware of the gift options available from local businesses right here in our backyard. I always try to do this just prior to Black Friday as a nod to some of the small businesses operating in the North Country," Assemblywoman Jenne pointed out.
"Our history, culture and shared values have instilled a passion for quality and authenticity in the North Country. We also have entrepreneurship in our DNA with so many of us coming from families with agricultural roots, farmers that worked to improve the efficiency of their operations on a tight budget," she added.
This year's event will again include vendors from Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties. A number of vendors return to the show at the Indian River Middle School each year, but this year's event also always includes new vendors.
"We have toys and books for kids, handmade items like scarves and hats and even a guy who makes duck calls. There really is a little something for everybody at this event each year," she noted.
This year's show has vendors offering products ranging from gluten-free baked goods, local specialty foods and fudge to jewelry, handbags and accessories. There will also be a number of vendors selling health and wellness products, home decor, housewares and crafts.
The North Country Department Store is one of two "Rediscovering Your Backyard" events Assemblywoman Jenne holds each year.
"This is an effort to showcase the many small businesses that provide our North Country with a wide variety of unique products," she said. "I know there are lots of folks that enjoy hitting the craft show circuit this time of year, and there will be plenty of opportunities. I would encourage North Country Department Store visitors to also check out some of the other shows Saturday in the area Saturday, including in Ogdensburg and Oxbow," Assemblywoman Jenne said
She also sponsors a "Your Special Day" event each spring in Ogdensburg. The event, previously known as a bridal expo, was rebranded in recent years since many of the vendors cater to a number of special events ranging from weddings to graduation and anniversary parties.
Proceeds from the event are divided between the Indian River FFA and Noah's Ark Preschool. The organizations provide volunteer support for the event.
"The pre school runs a child care service at our event so the kids can enjoy some arts and crafts activities while their parents, grandparents or caregivers are checking out the show. The FFA kids offer assistance to the vendors throughout the day, including with set up and take down," according to said Assemblywoman Jenne.
For more information on the North Country Department Store, check out the event's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/482160332166945/