Vandergrift merchants band together for new Christmas event

Vandergrift business owner Kelly Adamik said she organized the first-ever Mistletoe & Merchants event scheduled for Saturday to showcase what she considers to be the borough’s resurgent business community.

“We’ve really turned a corner, and I thought it was time to highlight,” said Adamik, who owns The Gathering Room, a gift shop.

Adamik said new businesses have come to town, the local candy store has new owners and the jewelry shop is thriving.

Several shops are collaborating to put on Mistletoe & Merchants from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with each offering different in-store specials.

At The Gathering Room, patrons will be able to pose for photos with a 9-foot-tall nutcracker and Adamik will take donations for the Hope Center, which provides services and education to assist abuse victims.

Sweetlane Chocolate Shop, which has been under new ownership since December 2018, is offering a $5 coupon for the event, according to owner Eric Mikula.

“The community of Vandergrift has really taken some strides and actions to bring businesses back,” Mikula said. “In the world of Amazon, we’re getting people walking in our doors and it’s amazing.”

Marilee Kessler of the Vandergrift Improvement Program said it’s significant that the town’s business owners are collaborating.

“It’s a big step forward because there is no merchants organization in Vandergrift. It’s so nice to be able to see someone from the merchant community step forward,” Kessler said.

Adamik said it’s better for everyone if the shop owners work together, adding that she has been impressed by the innovative ideas brought by younger merchants. She said in small towns like Vandergrift, “it’s the same dollar that feeds everyone.”

“When people think of New Kensington and Tarentum and Vandergrift especially, about how the town used to be, it doesn’t mean the town can’t be great again. Just in a different way,” she said.

In addition to The Gathering Room and Sweetlane Chocolate Shop, other participating businesses will include Full Circle Furniture, Bobbie’s Jewelers, End of the Road Antiques, Tees N Tops, AJ’s Restaraunt, Ianni’s Pizza and G&G Restaraunt.