First, a First

Before we get started, readers, let it be known that this is NOT a Farmers Market week, making this the first-ever edition of Fresh Picks that does not immediately precede a Market Saturday. For the record, the next Market -- the Bonus Thanksgiving Market -- takes place in just over a week, on Saturday, November 21. You can count on another edition of this newsletter in just 7 days to let you know everything this can't-miss market will have to offer!

Shop 'Til You Pop

On Saturday, November 28, the LEDC is hosting a Pop-Up Store from noon to 6 pm in the location of the former DCMH Thrift Shoppe at 20 North Lansdowne Avenue. If you sell retail or handmade items that would make great holiday gifts, this event is for you! Vendor applications are being accepted through tomorrow. If you're interested, please apply right away -- checks made payable to the LEDC should be mailed to 23 S. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne, PA 19050 by the November 13 deadline. Plus, there's a LOT more happening in town on Small Business Saturday that you'll want to be a part of.

Bit by Bit

The LEDC's Annual A Bit of the Arts Holiday Show and Sale follows the Thanksgiving holiday once again this year, bringing dozens of vendors selling items they've created themselves -- paintings, glasswork, sculpture, jewelry, photographs -- to the Twentieth Century Club. In addition to artists, this year's event feaures a full schedule of live music and gourmet food for purchase throughout the two-day affair, and best of all, admission is free. A Bit of the Arts takes place Friday, November 27, 6:00 to 9:00 pm, and Saturday, November 28, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Twentieth Century Club is at 84 S. Lansdowne Avenue (just south of the central business district). See a full list of vendors and performers here.

Save Time for Santa

The Lansdowne Business and Professional Association will light up the night on Small Business Saturday, November 28, during its annual Tree Lighting Celebration, taking place at the mini park in front of the municipal lot at 30 N. Lansdowne Avenue. (Yes, that's the "Farmers Market lot" directly across from the Lansdowne Theater.) Come on out for hot beverages, musical performances, entertainment from students of Destined 2 Dance Dance School, music from Steve E Love Sound, the lighting of the holiday tree, and a special visit by the "real" Santa Claus (no beard pulling, please) in the heart of Lansdowne's central business district. The festivities begin at 6:30 pm.

Oh, Brother

The Lansdowne Folk Club presents an evening with folk trio Brother Sun on Thursday, November 19, at the Twentieth Century Club. These three gentlemen craft a powerful blend of three-part male harmonies and contemporary folk sounds that reference gospel, blues, jazz and pop. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 at the door; for more information and tickets visit the Folk Club website.

Foodstuffs

Reader feedback tells us that one of the most popular parts of this newsletter is the weekly inclusion of unique recipes that offer new ideas on how to make creative use of ingredients available at the upcoming week's market. Well, since we don't have a market this weekend (just in case you missed the item above), why not use this space to share some of the more off-the-wall Thanksgiving recipes that Bon Appétit has kindly rounded up for our enjoyment. Just don't expect to find any nori at next week's market for those Thanksgiving leftover sushi. And who doesn't love cranberry candles?

As reported by Philly.com this week, the Garlic Insanity Bacon produced by Lansdowne-founded 1732 Meats was lauded as one of the "50 Pantry Essentials for the Modern Gourmet" by New York Magazine. Kudos to proprietor Ari Miller and family!

Lighting Up Lansdowne

There's nothing nicer in the winter holiday season than seeing twinkling strings of lights as you go down a major thoroughfare. You can help make that dream come true on Lansdowne Avenue by contributing to the Light Up Lansdowne campaign organized by The Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and the local business owners in the Lansdowne Business and Professional Association (LBPA). Your tax-deductible donation can help us raise $1,200 to purchase lights to make the night sparkle.

Since 2005, the LEDC has leveraged over $500,000 worth of investment in Lansdowne, started numerous popular community events, and assisted more than 25 businesses with planning and facade improvements. Invest in your community and support the work of the LEDC'S Main Street Program by making a donation today. Questions? Call 610-745-4063 or email [email protected].

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