Rachel Somer of Oswego and her mother Joan who lives in Lombard decided to do something different during Mother’s Day weekend instead of, as Rachel said, “just go to brunch.”
“We wanted to spend time together and hang out and I like that this event is kind of a mom-centered thing,” Rachel said as she held a pot of flowers at a Mother’s Day market on Saturday at New Song Community Church in Aurora. “We wanted to do this because it’s a nice day and instead of just doing brunch, we can get out and enjoy the day.”
Moms looking for a personalized shopping experience on Mother’s Day weekend were able to find gifts from local vendors, including artists, crafters and food purveyors at the event.
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Staff at the church at 2858 Hafenrichter Road said this was their first market of the year and would be followed by others as the weeks wear on.
Nancy Estrada, administrative assistant for New Song Community Church, said the Mother’s Day weekend event was first discussed barely over a month ago.
“There were three or four markets we had last year, but this will be the first themed one solely on Mother’s Day,” she said. “We have people bringing handmade items and others have jewelry, and a little variety of everything.”
The idea, Estrada said, “was to target things for moms and to let the community know that the church is here.”
“This is also a good opportunity to let people know who have maybe lost their mother and maybe are going through a difficult time and be able to talk to people that come to the event. Some might need some kind of support,” she said. “We’ll be available for that and we want to let the community know the church is here for them.”
Inside the church, LaTonya Williams of Oswego, owner of LaTonya & Co, was offering a candle-making workshop.
“This candle-making class will include people melting wax down and then chose from a six-ounce glass which I call ‘a vessel’ or they can make wax melts which are wickless candles and can fragrance it with whichever fragrance they would like,” Williams explained.
Joan Somer said going to the market “was better than going to breakfast.”
“We thought about going for breakfast but we changed our mind,” she said. “I never know what I want when I come to these crafts things but when I see it I know it.”
Sheila Diaz of Naperville was checking out some booths and said the first-time event “is just wonderful.”
“Just meeting people and seeing the community come together. I am very happy to come and share my time,” she said.
Diaz’s friend Maria Ibarguen, also of Naperville, said both she and her friend “are mothers ourselves and sharing our day with others or a conversation, that’s what the whole vibe is all about.”
“It’s more than spending money. It’s being with my friend here and being grateful and celebrating,” she said.
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.