3rd Annual Shortbread City Valentine’s Day Vendor and Craft Show Deemed a Celebration and a Success

Last Updated on Sunday, 04 March 2018 22:34

By Jill Runfola

Vendors showcased the theme of Valentine’s Day and took it to the limit at the 3rd Annual Shortbread City Valentine’s Day Vendor and Craft Show, held on February 10.

Pictured are (l-r): Christina Thompson (baker) and her mom, Shirley Tonararelli.

The event was held at the Monessen Fire Dept. #1 Social Hall from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and was organized by Tiffanie Rawlins of Monessen’s Shortbread City designer desserts, 619 Reed Ave. She has a family-owned business with a huge following of loyal, dedicated customers.

Rawlins said of her own vendor area, “I have a large assortment of gourmet cupcakes at my table. As always, I have a combination of popular flavors, and a few surprises with a Valentine’s Day theme. It’s fun for me to revamp some of my best sellers and gear them toward the holiday.”

She continued, “I am always excited for my own shows, and that has a lot to do with the fact that so many of the vendors have become my friends over the years with every event. I make new friends as well.”

Some of the vendors at the sold-out show included: Little City Coffee; Lots of Love Sweets; Premier Designs jewelry; Country Hammer Moonshine; Avon; and Origami Owl.

Christina’s Cakes, a home-based business in Charleroi included cookies, gobs, biscotti, cakes, and Valentine’s Day lollipops. Baker Christina Thompson said she “likes that the vendor shows are well-advertised, well-organized, and have a great variety of vendors.”

The show also featured a Chinese auction and sold tickets at 3 for $1 or 10 for $5. Some of the prizes were as follows: strawberry cake, wool blanket, scarf and

DJ Jammin’ Jodi from Monongahela dressed to entertain and spin out the tunes!

necklace, gym membership, soap and a stuffed animal, etc. There was also a 50/50 raffle being sold for a very worthy cause.

DJ Jammin’ Jodi from Monongahela kept the hits coming, and shoppers were encouraged to dance to the tunes!

There was food provided by Bethel A.M.E. Church in Monongahela which included kielbasa and kraut, wings and fries, tomato soup, nachos, and hot dogs.
Shoppers took advantage of the holiday event to pick up a gift for their special someone.

Rawlins said she has been working in one way or another on the event since mid-November, and all that hard work paid off! Visit Shortbread City Monessen on Facebook for local shop happenings.