Alleycats ready to welcome customers

Fifteen new artisans, in addition to 55 returning artisans, will include their offerings when Alley Cats Marketplace hosts its grand reopening on Saturday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will feature dancers from Lacey Performing Arts Center.

Lacey Performing Arts Center has reopened and relocated to 117 S. Broadway in New Philadelphia. Owner and director Lacey Herbert-Stephen offers all styles of dance for ages 6 months to adult. Email laceypac@yahoo.com.

“We are thrilled to reopen our doors again after a two-month hiatus, giving time to our artisans to create new inventories," said Debbie Aubihl-Knisely, proprietor.

Alley Cats Marketplace is a 5,000-square-foot creative marketplace that opened in May 2019 in downtown New Philadelphia. “This year we again feature 70 regional artisans from Carrollton to Cleveland, providing an eclectic mix of arts, crafts and other distinctive products," Aubihl-Knisely said.

Their sister store — Fresh the Market, opening on Saturday, March 12 with 40 more artisans — will create a shopping experience in downtown New Philadelphia.

“The Alley Cats Marketplace has a nostalgic but also ultra-modern atmosphere, and this is what we want the customers to fall in love with, not just a place to buy gifts," Aubihl-Knisely said. "The atmosphere is a happy feeling. We try to make you feel right at home, even if it’s your first time visiting.”

The social area is still in place, with a pot of fresh coffee welcoming all visitors. The space is used for paint, craft and pottery workshops; speaker presentations; business and networking meetings; lunch and learns; and birthday, baby and bridal showers.

The new additional artisans include DNel Mosher, Fuzzy Edge Designs, Rustic Mills Creations, by C, Art by Chelsey Miller, Conidi Art/SME Fractel Arts, OC Leatherworks, Salty Hive, Murphy Made It, Maple Grove, Crafting with Caity, BAL Designs, Susan’s Handcrafts, Each Unique Piece, David Potts Creations, Brett Archinal Woodworking and Dover Clayco.

The grand reopening will feature live painting by Patrick Conidi, music by Little Theatre singers, musicians Dan Gribble and Nick Bonner, and food by Mill Street Grill.

Alley Cats Marketplace is located at 115 Allen Lane SW in New Philadelphia. Hours of operation are Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Events and updates can be found on Facebook, Instagram and www.alleycatsmarketplace.com.