My husband and I like to spend New Year’s in Le Roy at the “First Night” celebration. So, about 7pm we donned our coats and scarves, put the pot roast on the wood-burning stove, and walked down Main St. This year our quaint village sparkled. Each light pole had new decorations, and most of the store fronts sported tiny white lights. Our first stop on this misty evening was the” Locally Made Shop.”
What’s a “Locally Made Shop?” A place to find one-of-a-kind treasures! It amazed me to see the variety of items for sale: woven bags, goat milk soap and hooked rugs were scattered about the place, giving it a homey, welcoming feel. And we were even more at ease when Jan looked up from hooking a rug, gave a mischievous smile and asked “Want to try?” Of course, she was asking my husband.
I had to question her about her inspiration and materials, as I’d never met someone who hooks rugs. She uses a variety of patterns and ideas from life. Her rugs are useful - first, decorative-second, just as they would have been when they adorned our early homes. She explained how these rugs were a way to get new life from worn clothing. If you see her with a pile of sports jackets from the Salvation Army, you can be sure that one day soon they will be cut into strips and find their way into a rug.
But Jan wasn’t the only one demonstrating that night. Colleen had her loom going. Boy am I glad I don’t have to thread something of that size. I think the sewing machine is bad enough. It’s amazing the variety of patterns and materials she uses when she weaves. You’ll generally find people demonstrating when you stop by, and if you do, smile, and tell them “Dawn sent me.”
I wanted to spend some time in “The Hobby Horse” next, but one look at my husband’s pained expression and I gazed longingly through the windows. As usual, Ann had her store filled with a large assortment of gifts and antiques that will have to wait for another day. We made our way down the street until we came to Vintage and Vogue. I glanced at my slightly damp companion. Still no enthusiasm for shopping, even though I pointed out they probably had some very good deals on their elegant Christmas decorations. Okay, there was only one place I knew he’d want to stop – Javas/Scratch Bakery.
The coffee shop/bakery was alive with people, sipping drinks and chatting about their holiday. Children sat on stools at one end of the long counter, waiting for cocoa topped with whipped cream and maybe a scone or two. Anticipation was building toward the big moment – the 9pm fireworks over Oatka Creek.
And what fireworks they were! Songs played a counter-point to “ooo’s” and “ahhhs,” while the sky burst into color over the creek. I love this. I had all the warm wishes for a Happy New Year, and still had time to go home, enjoy my roast, and watch Abbott and Costello’s “Who’s on First” routine.
Dawn Ireland-Monsees
Dawn enjoys sharing her knowledge of the hidden gems in Genesee County, as well as promoting the rich artistic heritage found here. If you come to visit, you’re likely to find her in a play, leading a ghost walk, performing music, woodcarving, writing . . . well, you get the idea.
Why drive 100s of miles to see a wonder of the world? Niagara Falls is an easy 45 minute drive from Genesee County!
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