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| Residents shop locally at In-Town Holiday Mall |
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| Written by Maddy Houk / Patterson Irrigator | |
| Wednesday, 12 December 2007 | |
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A steady stream of local residents stopped by Federated Methodist-Presbyterian Church’s In-Town Holiday Mall on Saturday to shop and chat. The mall, an annual event since 2001, had 19 tables for vendors who sold everything from jewelry and cosmetics to fruits and nuts and coffee. This year’s mall preceded events sponsored by the city and Patterson-Westley Chamber of Commerce, such as Santa Claus’ appearance on Plaza Circle and the downtown Electric Parade, making for a day of merriment for all ages. Shoppers walked from booth to booth sipping coffee and munching on goodies sold in the church kitchen. Longtime resident Pepper Reza Smith had a bag full of goodies and some sugar-free candy for her husband, Smitty, who accompanied her. She said she appreciated the under-one-roof shopping. “The way I feel, this is my hometown and I love the people,” Reza Smith said. “I have not bought anything in Modesto or Turlock. This is a wonderful thing — I can’t wait for the Electrical Parade.” Other shoppers and vendors in the church hall also were in the holiday spirit. Santa greeted families and little ones and posed for photos in the church’s Fireside Room.  In-Town Holiday Mall shoppers Margaret (from right), Barry Kitsch and Caroline Harr discuss Tupperware with vendor Lynda Averett. Photo by Elias Funez / Patterson Irrigator Federated Church secretary Connie Debler said there was a steady stream of people all day. Though vendors were busier in the morning, Santa stayed until early evening. “Santa did very well this year,” Debler said. “Last year, he had 10 people all day, and this year he had 10 people the first hour. Santa stayed until 6 p.m.!” Cindy and Carl Sierra and their daughter, Cassandra, were eager to have pictures taken with the man in red. Carl Sierra held the family’s pug, Tidbit, as shoppers pet the new puppy before he had his picture taken. Cindy Sierra said she is at the In-Town Holiday Mall every year, either volunteering to help or staffing a vendor booth. On Saturday, she helped her mother, Sandra Arnett, at the Avon booth. “I’m here, Mom’s here and Cassandra is here,” Sierra said. “It’s three generations together.” All Seasons Travel owner Linda DeForest, who has had a booth at the mall since its beginnings, was in the same location in the hall as last year. DeForest was happy to greet the customers and give out travel information. “It’s about getting the word out and keeping yourself out there,” DeForest said. “This is a good time for me to do this because after Christmas, people start thinking about vacations for next year.” Linda Bland, who owns Newman-based Linda’s Fine Chocolates, sold edible ornaments, bread and bread mixes and candy, as well as toys and dolls. Bland also had information about pre-prepared food that she sells. Bland said she enjoys Patterson and its people and knows quite a few local folks. “I’m at all the shows around there,” Bland said. “I love the Apricot Fiesta and the Chili Cook-Off.” Neighbors Pat Burch and Rose Silva were armed with full bags of gifts for their families. Silva said she also booked home demonstration parties with two of the vendors. “It’s our Christmas thing to do,” Silva said. “We go home and decorate our houses, too.” When all was said and done, Debler said the event was successful. “The vendors were really happy, considering the economy right now,” Debler said. “Most of the vendors did pretty well. They were happy with what they were able to sell.” To reach Maddy Houk at the Irrigator, call 892-6187 or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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