HOOKSETT – On a crisp October weekend, the Autumn Run neighborhood in Hooksett hosted its first Autumn Run Kids Marketplace, organized by local mom and resident Sara Quetta. Since moving to the area in 2022, Quetta has dreamed of an event where children could showcase their talents, foster creativity and bring the community together.
Sixteen young entrepreneurs participated, selling a diverse range of handmade goods, including baked treats, jewelry, holiday ornaments, bookmarks, decorative tiles and unique 3D-printed projects. Some young artists offered face painting and nail art, while others displayed imaginative creations like spell bottles and pipe cleaner sculptures.
For Quetta, the goal was simple but meaningful.
“I wanted to give kids a chance to step away from screens, engage in creative projects, and take pride in their own work,” she said. “The children were not only responsible for creating their products but also for managing their money and advertising. These are great life skills for them to learn early on.”
The event received overwhelming support from neighborhood families, who embraced the opportunity to reconnect through the marketplace.
“In a time when social media sometimes creates distance, it was refreshing to see our community come together to support our kids in person,” Quetta said. “It’s vital for Hooksett to nurture the next generation, and events like these can help us do that.”
