Arts at Hayfield Homespun Holiday Craft Show Returns to Penn State Wilkes-Barre

The fate of the seasonal market had been in doubt amid the planned closure of the Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus and rising operational costs. Because vendors typically fill their schedules far in advance, organizers did not secure the fall date until April. Despite concerns over potential vendor attrition, participation actually grew, reaching 118 sellers offering holiday decor, food, art, crafts, and clothing.

Janis Winter, treasurer of Arts at Hayfield and a Penn State tutor, noted that all available spaces filled slightly earlier than usual, partly because the summer craft show was canceled. Winter stated that vendors remained loyal despite the looming campus changes. “We thought we would lose people because they just needed to move on,” Winter said. “But we didn’t. They just hung on. So it’s a good, good group.”

Campus Sale and the Future of the Venues

Penn State University trustees recently authorized the sale of the 13-mile-from-the-city rural campus to HGC Development for $5.25 million. HGC Development plans to establish a conference and event venue alongside an athletic training center, and the company has been in discussions with Misericordia University to lease space to the school. HGC Development could not be reached for comment regarding the craft show’s long-term prospects.

The Arts at Hayfield nonprofit, named after the historic home on the campus where many early vendors were Penn State staff, relies on multiple campus spaces. The fall event utilizes an athletic building, a student center, and outdoor areas. Winter indicated that finding adequate space and parking elsewhere would be hard, making it likely that the summer show is over for good, while the fall event faces an uncertain future after November.

Organizers plan to approach HGC Development regarding the event space after the November show concludes. Meanwhile, Jim Roberts, chief of staff and vice president of marketing and communications at Misericordia University, noted via email that no lease has been signed and any potential programming would not begin before 2028. Roberts added, “I am confident that all parties involved will be open to further discussions with community groups and other entities as the process moves forward.”

Regional Holiday Markets Offer Alternatives

As the holiday market season approaches in the region, several other events are scheduled across Northeast Pennsylvania:

• The Artisans’ Marketplace at the Waverly Community House runs the weekend before Thanksgiving, Nov. 21–22.
• The 14th annual Buy Local Holiday Marketplace at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple opens Nov. 29 across five floors.
• The Scranton Winter Market takes place on Courthouse Square from Dec. 4–6.
• Wassailfest and Downtown Hazleton’s Holiday Night Market are scheduled for Dec. 4.
• The 18th annual Christkindlmarkt at the Yuengling Mansion in Pottsville runs Dec. 5–6, preceded by an evening preview cocktail party on Dec. 4.

For the Arts at Hayfield fall show, admission is a suggested donation of $3, with free entry for visitors under 18 and current Penn State students.