Monessen’s Shortbread City Valentine’s Day Vendor and Craft Show Provides Great Times

Last Updated on Wednesday, 01 March 2017 03:42

By Jill Runfola

The 2nd annual Shortbread City Valentine’s Day Vendor and Craft Show on February 4, 2017, was a success, even though the host got off to a late start.

With Shortbread City are (l-r): Tiffanie Rawlins Johnson—owner, Savannah Johnson—owner’s daughter, and Vickie Kizzie—owner’s mother.

Held at the Monessen Fire Dept. #1 Social Hall, Eastgate 15, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., host Shortbread City arrived at approximately 12:30 p.m. Instantly, patrons bombarded the Monessen designer desserts bakery business with a very long line to wait for the delicious treats.

The event was booked solid with vendors and crafters from all over PA, according to Tiffanie Rawlins Johnson, pastry chef at Shortbread City. There were a wide variety of vendors including: Plum Run Winery, Mary Kay, Paparazzi jewelry, Praise Him (inspirational T-shirts), Tastefully Simple, and Park Lane (a family-owned business with a guarantee for life of jewelry). There was also tasty food from Bethel A.M.E. Young People’s Dept. in Monongahela and a Chinese auction featuring two large tables of prizes.

Cindy Newman of Tastefully Simple said, “I think this is one of the biggest variety and unique vendor shows in the mid-Mon Valley area. It is always well-attended by the same enthusiastic customers.”

Johnson of Shortbread City said, “My goal has always been to create an atmosphere like a big party where you can eat, drink, shop, listen to good music, and socialize…I even encourage people to dance, if the mood strikes them!”

DJ Jammin Jodi of Monongahela lent to the party mood of the event by playing such hits as “Brown-Eyed Girl” and “All About That Bass.” She had people dancing in the aisles with her great music.

There was even a well-established chiropractor there to showcase his Weight Loss and Body Detox Program. Porreca Chiropractic in Belle Vernon has classes on how to stay healthy and lose weight. Dr. Joseph Porreca said, “We teach people about toxicity in the environment and how to lose weight or gain muscle weight.”

Johnson concluded, “I take pride in running shows that are enjoyable for patrons and vendors alike. I like to make people smile, and if I’ve done that, I know they’ll come to my next event. Maybe they’ll even bring a friend.