Shoppers support local vendors and artisans at Melrose Holiday Market
Yolanda Rodriguez, the co-founder and executive director at BXArts Factory, has seen the benefit from both vendors and shoppers each year.
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Community members shopped for gifts from local vendors and artisans on Sunday – part of BXArts Factory's third annual Holiday Market.
"I want to immerse my son into different arts and cultures. And to see that there's handmade stuff out there," said Efrain Santiago.
It was Santiago's first time attending the holiday event, and he said it won't be his last after seeing his son's excitement.
"There was a young lady here who does her own comic books. My son was so happy to buy all of her comic books and then get them hand signed by her, and he was like, 'Dad, this is great.'"
Andrea Straker, a local artist, has participated in the event each year selling jewelry. She said it's important to have a space that highlights vendors from the borough.
"It's from a Bronx brain, from the outlook or the perspective of somebody who has grown up in this community," she said.
Yolanda Rodriguez, the co-founder and executive director at BXArts Factory, has seen the benefit from both vendors and shoppers each year.
"I think it's very important for us, sustaining our communities financially. These are our neighbors, people that live next to us, supporting each other."
