Pottery Cellar owner Dawn Whitehill and Joanne Bigelow, of Jojo’s Rustic Remnants. (DENNIS HACKET PHOTO)
WESTFIELD – The Pottery Cellar is hosting a “Santa Cruise-Thru” event Dec. 13 rain or shine from 1:30-3 p.m. in the parking lot at The Mill at Crane Pond, 77 Mill St.
Pottery Cellar owner Dawn Whitehill said the jolly elf, Santa himself, will offer some holiday cheer to all who drive-thru Sunday afternoon. Children are encouraged to leave Santa a letter in the Pottery Cellar’s decorated letter box.
Whitehill said she wanted to create something special for city children.
“We chose to create a kid-friendly holiday event that is safe and socially distant,” she said. “Kids in our community have had so many events and activities cancelled during COVID and we are hoping that this small event makes a lasting impression and puts a smile on faces of all ages.”
Visitors should enter from the Crane Avenue entrance and follow the lot roadway down along the backside of the mill and Pottery Cellar. They will approach and drive by Santa and have the option to leave a letter in the decorated letter box. Any letter that includes an address for a response will receive a letter back from Santa himself. Next, drivers will pass by Santa’s sleigh where non-perishable goods for the local food pantry will be collected, and then move along to the complimentary hot chocolate tent where hot chocolate, milk cups for kids (if preferred) and mini donut Snow Balls will be offered. This event will take place rain or shine.
Whitehill said COVID has affected The Pottery Cellar and its Bubble Mug Café, but she is happy to be open and able to give back to the community.
“Our business is surviving but it has taken extra work,” she said. “Our cafe is serving, and take-out orders have been steady and our in-store shoppers have been very supportive. We are sanitizing and creating a safe and friendly environment for those who are visiting.”
Pottery Cellar, which offers a vast array of Polish pottery pieces, home decor, a cafe and high quality crafts by JoJo’s Rustic Remnants, has extended hours Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We have a wonderful variety of gift items in addition to a very large selection of Polish Pottery including fudge, gourmet marshmallows, dip mixes, oils and home decor. Our cafe served breakfast sandwiches and lunch Monday to Friday 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” added Whitehill.
Visitors to the event are required to stay inside their vehicles.
