The Friedberg JCC, in Oceanside, brought back its one-day Winter Market for the first time since before the pandemic on Dec. 4, transforming its building into a bustling, cozy marketplace and encouraging neighbors to shop small and give back before the holiday rush.
After a six-year run prior to the pandemic, the market returned by popular demand from families eager for a community-centered holiday event. More than 60 vendors filled JCC’s auditorium and hallways, offering clothing, jewelry, desserts, candles, art and more — far surpassing expectations.
“We’ve heard feedback from families in the community wanting to do something like this,” Andrea Ahearne, senior program officer of JCC’s early childhood, said. “We really wanted to have some outreach to our families and give them the opportunity to check out our building, shop from local vendors and give those vendors business in the best way we can.”
Ahearne said staff members initially estimated they might attract somewhere between 10 and 15 vendors. But word spread quickly on social media, turning the revived market into a major draw.
The JCC, which serves close to 900 families, earmarked vendor table proceeds toward its programs for the coming year — including wellness classes for people with Parkinson’s disease, support programs for families raising children with disabilities, and “Ga’avah” — meaning “pride in Hebrew — the organization’s LGBTQ+ camp.
“This is a way for people to come together,” Ahearne said. “We hope this becomes an annual thing. I want people to have the memory of enjoying this night.”
Among the vendors was Lenox Pinczehelyi, owner of Lenox & Lattes, who brought regular coffee alongside seasonal specialty drinks, such as a Snowflake Latte with cake batter syrup and sprinkles, and a Winter Cookie Latte featuring cookie butter syrup. Pinczehelyi launched her business just six months ago after years of experimenting with homemade syrups while working at Starbucks.
“I started making my own syrups at home and then began selling to the JCC staff,” Pinczehelyi said. “Being part of the market felt like the natural next step.”
Danielle Parnes, 17, of Hewlett — owner of Creations by Parnes — displayed trays of festive, chocolate-covered strawberries, ornate chocolate Oreos decorated with menorahs and holiday bows and cake pops. She launched the business at age 13 and now runs a storefront through Instagram.
“I want to be an architect, so I really wanted to do something that brought those talents out in more creative ways,” Parnes said. “I’ve always wanted to do something like this, so having the JCC reach out was really cool.”
Another local favorite was Brooke Olsen, an Oceanside resident who runs The Brookie Shoppe. Olsen crafts homemade beeswax candles scented with vanilla and adorned with dried flowers — each set inside a thrifted teacup. She began making candles last year after she received her cancer diagnosis.
“I needed something to keep me busy,” Olsen said. “I take a lot of pride in what I do. Sometimes vendors come to you and you buy their stuff or they buy yours. I love seeing everyone come together.”
Artist Vinnie Patrick, known as the “King of Cards,” captivated guests with his three-dimensional trading cards and photographs — all meticulously hand-cut and layered to create a sculptural effect.
Patrick, who has been making the pieces for about 15 years, travels to events for what he calls his “educational tour,” since the art does not convey well on a screen.
“I absolutely adore being here,” Patrick said. “I love connecting with people. It helps me grow as a person, and hopefully a little of what I do rubs off on them.”
After a quick, two-month vendor recruitment effort, Ahearne said the turnout exceeded every expectation and highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for events that blend creativity, connection and holiday spirit.
