25th annual Down East Holiday Show supports Pitt Community College students

GREENVILLE, N.C. — Shoppers filed into the Greenville Convention Center on Friday for the 25th annual Down East Holiday Show, looking for gifts while supporting Pitt Community College students.

Hosted by the Pitt Community College Foundation, the event features more than 100 vendors. Taylor Chase, the foundation’s special events coordinator, said money raised supports PCC scholarships and student success.

“I hope one thing that people take away from this is really that this is a foundation event and we are fundraising money for our PCC students,” Chase said.

The show comes as shoppers face rising costs. According to Visa, U.S. holiday retail sales are expected to rise 4.5% year over year, marking the strongest holiday sales growth since 2021. The University of Michigan, meanwhile, says consumer sentiment shows inflation is weighing heavily on consumers’ view of the economy.

Daniel Hill of Petals and Produce said the vendor is offering specials at the show that customers won’t find in its stores.

“For people who come out and see us here, especially in Greenville, we’re happy to greet them and give them a little bit of a deal for the holidays,” Hill said.

Hill said he loves the annual show and how it shines a light on local businesses as shoppers look for gifts.

“I think it really shows how much the community is willing to come out and support local businesses,” Hill said.

The show continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.