'Mallternative' provides shopping without the crowds

Plush robes, sparkly jewelry, nifty kitchen goods, perfume, gourmet foods, children's books, toys, candy, cookies - and all without the crowds and madness of Black Friday.

While thousands packed suburban malls Friday looking for the best deals imaginable, more relaxed shoppers found refuge and a friendly vibe Friday at "Mallternative," a fundraiser at Calvary Episcopal Church in Batavia.

The vendor fair featured representatives for products such as Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple and Private Quarters on the first floor and basement of the church at Route 31 and Main Street. Shoppers also could find evergreen wreaths and roping, a part of the sale that continues from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

"We've had a nice flow," said Laurie Stephans, church volunteer and founder of the sale.

Stephans, also a vendor, said she founded the event after noticing shortly before Thanksgiving last year that others like her had holiday sales. And the church had a vendor fair in the spring in conjunction with Batavia's citywide garage sale. The two thoughts mingled.

"This (the day after Thanksgiving) would probably be a really great day because everybody is out shopping already," she decided.

As far as getting her own Christmas shopping done?

"I've been getting lots of ideas today," said Stephans, laughing.

Vendors at the event pay a fee to rent a space, and some also donated a portion of their sales to the church. The money goes to the church's fundraising account, which donates money to places such as the Hesed House and Lazarus House shelters, Mutual Ground domestic violence shelter and the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry.

Besides the vendors, church members made items to sell, including hand-knit American Girl doll clothing, crocheted afghans, Christmas jewelry pins and more.

"We have a lot of talented people here," said Elaine Forbes, who organized that effort. "A lot of busy hands and talented hands."

If they weren't selling, would they be shopping at a mall Friday?

"Been there, did that," Forbes said, saying it is less appealing to her now that she is older.

NuSkin Enterprises vendor Judy Rupp agreed with her.

"No, not me. I'd be recovering from yesterday (Thanksgiving Day," she said.