Patrick and Alyssa Madden expanded the Moonlight Market into a two-day expo at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in Uniondale, featuring workshops, alternative bands, celebrity guests and more vendors.
“We’re very community-driven,” Patrick said, president and event director of El Churro Entertainment. “We work very closely with local groups. This is all done by me and my wife, and my cousins.
All these local businesses that we team up with to put on these workshops, so we can give back to the community,” he continued.
Most of the event space was filled with vendors offering handmade display art, accessories, dinnerware, art kits and gifts for readers. Denise Cruz of Bellmore operated The Wandering Page Bookshop out of a trailer filled with books rather than a traditional booth
“I love how he runs his business,” Cruz said of Patrick. “All of the merchandise is handmade by me – I make everything but the books.”
Melissa Streffacio from Port Jefferson, originally New Hyde Park, said she always picks up at least one mystery book at the Moonlight Markets, which she finds special.
“I like that this market, unlike other Long Island markets, there’s a lot more handmade stuff, unique stuff,” Streffacio said.
Another attendee Jadea Kelly from Stony Brook said she came for a friend’s birthday who she described as a “spooky girl.” They planned on going to the kink workshop to learn about ways to make their sex lives more interesting. The friends didn’t have a plan on what they wanted to see, but they were one of the many to pump into things they like.
Other Workshops included alcohol ink painting, crafting spell jars, butterfly and moth pinning and Victorian mourning customs.
“This gives them (the vendors) the ability to show the community what they work on and how they work on it,” Patrick said.
He said the hands-on nature of the event is especially important as AI-generated art becomes more common, raising concerns among some artists about originality and the value of traditional craftsmanship.
Laurie Boullianne of Center Moriches said the shopkeepers of Raven’s Wing Hattery enjoy sharing their love of history and seeing people dress up in their hats.
The shop normally sells Victorian-themed hats such as top hats and bowlers including hat pins sold separately.
Dana Parsons from Manorville creates charms and home décor with the theme of “life, death and rebirth” stated on her website. She uses upcycled, vintage and antique items, including butterflies and moths, at Woodland Hollow Charms.
“I love to show off that even after death things are still beautiful,” Parsons said.
Antoinette Helfer of Elmon creates hand rolled incense and hand-built pottery for Crossroads and Tradewinds, their pottery company.
“I like to make stuff that I’d like to see in stores that I don’t (see others offering)” Helfer said. “That’s why I do it.”
Helfer said the crowd is part of what makes the event special. “They’re open, they’re very giving,” he said.
Celebrities Harvey Guillén, known for “What We Do in the Shadows,” and Doug Jones, known for “The Shape of Water” and “Hocus Pocus,” attended the event. Alyssa Madden served as the celebrity liaison.
“It’s kinda fun, because we get to pick people we’re fans of,” Alyssa said.
Moonlight Markets travel anywhere from the Cradle of Aviation to the Suffolk County Farm and anywhere in between with events three times per year.
“If you like a good time, you’re in the alt scene, and want to get some cool artwork, come by,” Patrick said.
