Beary Merry Handmade Arts & Crafts Market celebrates 40 years
Denise McPherson
What began as a fundraiser dreamed up by a group of preschool moms four decades ago has grown into a holiday tradition filled with handmade gifts, longtime shoppers and a commitment to helping others.
The Beary Merry Handmade Arts & Crafts Market returns Dec. 1–2 to LaVera Party Center for its 40th Birthday Bash, celebrating a story that began in 1985 with the Euclid Preschool PTA Parenting Group. The annual tradition was interrupted in 2020 when the event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The original idea was simple. The parenting group needed a fundraiser to support educational speakers and activities for preschool families. Denise McPherson, who chaired the effort, combined her love of crafts with the talents of other preschool moms and helped organize the first show at Casa di Borally.
“We never imagined that something created by a group of preschool moms would still be bringing people together 40 years later,” McPherson says. “It’s been wonderful to watch Beary Merry grow and become a holiday tradition for so many families.”
The event continued to grow, moving first to Normandy Party Center and eventually to LaVera. When the preschool parenting group later disbanded, McPherson was given the opportunity to continue the Beary Merry tradition.
Today, the juried market features a wide range of handmade goods and specialty foods, including artwork, jewelry, holiday décor, children’s items, clothing, candles, chocolates, baked goods, personalized ornaments, home décor and more.
Many crafters have participated for years, creating relationships with shoppers that go well beyond a simple transaction.
Giving back also remains an important part of the event. A popular raffle features more than 50 themed gift baskets, with proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen in memory of Jennifer Grosel, who died from breast cancer in 2007 at age 40, leaving behind her husband and three young children.
The Beary Merry Handmade Arts & Crafts Market returns Dec. 1–2 to LaVera Party Center for its 40th Birthday Bash, celebrating a story that began in 1985 with the Euclid Preschool PTA Parenting Group. The annual tradition was interrupted in 2020 when the event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The original idea was simple. The parenting group needed a fundraiser to support educational speakers and activities for preschool families. Denise McPherson, who chaired the effort, combined her love of crafts with the talents of other preschool moms and helped organize the first show at Casa di Borally.
“We never imagined that something created by a group of preschool moms would still be bringing people together 40 years later,” McPherson says. “It’s been wonderful to watch Beary Merry grow and become a holiday tradition for so many families.”
The event continued to grow, moving first to Normandy Party Center and eventually to LaVera. When the preschool parenting group later disbanded, McPherson was given the opportunity to continue the Beary Merry tradition.
Today, the juried market features a wide range of handmade goods and specialty foods, including artwork, jewelry, holiday décor, children’s items, clothing, candles, chocolates, baked goods, personalized ornaments, home décor and more.
Many crafters have participated for years, creating relationships with shoppers that go well beyond a simple transaction.
Giving back also remains an important part of the event. A popular raffle features more than 50 themed gift baskets, with proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen in memory of Jennifer Grosel, who died from breast cancer in 2007 at age 40, leaving behind her husband and three young children.
“I tell my customers that Beary Merry is like a big holiday party with your family,” longtime crafter Beth Vilkas says. “That’s why customers keep coming back and they stay for hours!”
“Our guests are so passionate about supporting Susan G. Komen,” raffle coordinator Dorene Zajec says. “Many share personal stories about loved ones and their own journeys with cancer.”
Beary Merry also serves as a toy collection site for Asa’s Angels. Guests may bring a new toy or make a monetary donation to help local families in need.
To mark this year’s milestone, organizers have invited members of the original Euclid Preschool PTA Parenting Group to return. The first 250 guests each day will receive a limited-edition shopping tote, and special door-prize drawings will be held every half hour.
For McPherson, the longevity of Beary Merry comes down to the families, volunteers, crafters and shoppers who have supported it through the years.
“What means the most to me is seeing the same crafters and shoppers come back year after year,” McPherson says. “It has become more than a craft show. There are friendships, family traditions and so many memories connected to Beary Merry.”
After four decades, the event has become more than a place to shop. It is a holiday tradition built on handmade gifts, familiar faces, community support and the simple pleasure of coming together year after year.
Admission to the Beary Merry Handmade Arts & Craft Market is $4 per person.
“Our guests are so passionate about supporting Susan G. Komen,” raffle coordinator Dorene Zajec says. “Many share personal stories about loved ones and their own journeys with cancer.”
Beary Merry also serves as a toy collection site for Asa’s Angels. Guests may bring a new toy or make a monetary donation to help local families in need.
To mark this year’s milestone, organizers have invited members of the original Euclid Preschool PTA Parenting Group to return. The first 250 guests each day will receive a limited-edition shopping tote, and special door-prize drawings will be held every half hour.
For McPherson, the longevity of Beary Merry comes down to the families, volunteers, crafters and shoppers who have supported it through the years.
“What means the most to me is seeing the same crafters and shoppers come back year after year,” McPherson says. “It has become more than a craft show. There are friendships, family traditions and so many memories connected to Beary Merry.”
After four decades, the event has become more than a place to shop. It is a holiday tradition built on handmade gifts, familiar faces, community support and the simple pleasure of coming together year after year.
Admission to the Beary Merry Handmade Arts & Craft Market is $4 per person.