The Christmas market at New Century in the Town of Deerpark, New York, drew hundreds of locals for food, crafts, and holiday-themed activities on Dec. 2.
“It is a very nice tree and good turnout tonight,” Deerpark Supervisor Gary Spears told The Epoch Times after lighting up a 40-foot Christmas tree at the center of the New Century property.
“Everybody is out having a good time and enjoying the season of Christmas and New Year,” he said. “We appreciate the invitation, and we are going to wander around and enjoy the festivities.”
Surrounding the Christmas tree was an array of holiday lighting displays, including deer, angels, stars, a 45-foot light tunnel, and a sleigh that children and adults could sit in.
At the second-level indoor space, Santa Claus could be seen greeting visitors, asking children about their holiday wishes, and posing with families for photos.
The market will be open again on Dec. 9.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler sampled dishes from various food vendors at the first-level indoor space, including a few Asian-style dumplings.
“They were pretty good,” he told The Epoch Times. “What New Century is doing is really good, and I think it is really opening up some eyes in the community.”
“It is wonderful to see so many people out and mingle with their neighbors,” Deerpark Councilwoman-elect Christa Hoovler said, adding that it was nice to see New Century become an active event venue that brings the community together.
New Century event coordinator Jin Pang told The Epoch Times that each year, the company presented a roster of family-friendly events featuring traditional themes and values across different cultures.
Moon Festival—the company’s signature Asian culture-themed event that celebrates harvest and family reunion—drew tens of thousands of visitors from the tristate area in September.
Michelle Hinton, a Middletown area nurse who makes candles as a side gig, missed this year’s Moon Festival and set up a vendor booth at the Christmas market to make up for it.
Local beekeeper Joanne Vicarettei had such a great sales experience at the Moon Festival that she decided to participate in other New Century events, including the Christmas market.
About 40 vendors participated in the holiday market on Dec. 2.
“We hope to bring even more beautiful events and wholesome entertainment,” Ms. Pang told The Epoch Times. “We want to continue to support and build this wonderful community.”
New Century is planning a major development onsite to expand its recreational offerings, including a 3,000-plus-seat screening hall, an 85-room hotel, a marketplace, a shooting range, and restaurants.
The property used to be an equestrian center and hosted large entertainment events before its closure in the early 2010s.
