For the 17th straight season, stockings will be stuffed at Centre Furnace Mansion, 1001 E. College Ave.. The Centre County Historical Society’s annual Stocking Stuffer holiday market is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p m. on Friday and Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission is $5 and is valid all weekend. Children 12 and under are admitted free.
This event always feels like you are immersed in the holiday season from the moment you enter. Festively decorated for the holidays, this historic house museum is draped with fresh greenery and decorated by the area’s top decorators and florists. The Centre Furnace Mansion Garden Committee members donate their time, talents and trimmings for the event as well.
Local artisans feature their hand-crafted work and local dealers create indoor showcases featuring more than 50 vendors.
Some of the offerings you can expect to see at this event are fresh wreaths and holiday arrangements, ceramics, fine paper arts, pewter, china and glassware, antiques and vintage collectibles, hand-made figurines, linens, photography, jewelry and more. The historical society’s museum store will feature pewter ornaments and books for local history buffs.
“The Stocking Stuffer continues to grow, and we feel it gets better every time,’ Deborah McManus, chair of the Stocking Stuffer sale, said in an email. ‘Our teacher appreciation event is in its second year and we will once again have Joyce Mills, from Helen Fox, present a holiday fashion show. This evening brings together teachers from four school districts and is a wonderful way for us to thank them for all they do.”
McManus also shared another new event this year.
“A yarn bombing from the Knotty Girls knitting organization will take place both inside and outside of the Centre Furnace Mansion for this event,” she said. “Both this and the teacher’s event are a way to include the many professionals and artisans from Bellefonte in our celebration. Luckily for event attendees, the Knotty Girls will also be vendors at the Stocking Stuffer sale.”
McManus said that the Brazilian Munchies Food Truck will be parked at the mansion from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. so that shoppers will be able to purchase lunch while attending the sale. Brazilian Munchies is a favorite at local events in Centre County with their delicious variety of Brazilian take-out food.
“On Saturday, we will also have an area designated for family and pet holiday photos,” said Mcmanus. “Visitors can pose their fur babies and babies in our festively decorated holiday scene. Just bring your phone or camera and snap away. There will not be a fee, but donations will be accepted. Following the event, a contribution will be made to area pet shelters. This is a great opportunity to get those family Christmas card photos. There will be an elf on hand to assist with getting everyone in the shot.
“On Saturday, along with the local author book signings throughout the weekend, there will be artist demonstrations,” McManus continued. “We feel we have added something for everyone including new vendors and new additions from our returning vendors. There will be two full floors of artisan gifts and holiday inspiration.
After shopping, guests can enjoy hot cider and freshly baked cookies, free with admission.
The event not only supports the work of local artisans, but also the nonprofit historical society and its educational programs for the community.
‘In all, the weekend promises to be magical,’ McManus said. If you have never been before, this is the year to visit our signature event and contribute to keeping Centre County History alive.”
Here are some of the events:
FRIDAY, DEC. 6
– Meet the author and book signing — Author Jodi Moore will be available through the day;
– From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Meet the author and book signing will be with Lee Stout and Harry West with “Lair of the Lion;” and
– From 2 to 4 p.m. — Meet the author and book signing with Cathy Horner and her book, “The History of the Boalsburg Tavern.”
SATURDAY, DEC. 7
– Jodi Moore available through the day
– 10 a.m. to noon — Spinning tops for children, wood turning demo with Ken Nuttle;
– 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Meet the author book signing with Bill Marcum and his publication, “The Foreman’s Boys, The Story of Civilian Conservation Corps, Company 1333, Camp S-63, Poe Valley;”
– Noon to 3 p.m. — Pet and family photos on the decorated porch; and
– 2 to 4 p.m. — Meet the author and Book Signing with Rebecca Inlow and her book, “The Rowland Story, Beauty from Ashes.”
SUNDAY, DEC. 8
– Open noon to 4 p.m.;
– Noon to 4 p.m. — Meet the author book signing with author Jodi Moore will be available all day.
– 2 to 4 p.m. — Meet the author and book signing with Amy Greenberg and her book, “Lady First: The World of First Lady Sarah Polk.”
