Main Street News

Planning an event is no easy feat. From the location to the food and the guestlist, there is so much to get done. But what about locking down a unique vendor for your big celebration? From mobile bar carts and trailers, to live painting artists and even acrobats – we’ve got you covered. Next time you’re planning an event, whether it’s a wedding or a big bash, consider looking into one of these unique vendors for your special celebration. 

Salute! Mobile Bar + Cocktails

Owned and operated by Madison Kiggins and based out of Poughkeepsie, NY, Salute Mobile Bar is available for events of all kinds, including but not limited to weddings, birthdays, graduations, and baby and bridal showers.

Salute currently offers three different packages, all of which are customizable based on clients’ wants and needs. The first, the Pop + Pour, includes two hours of bartending service; mobile bar rental, setup, and breakdown; beer, wine, and champagne service; custom designed and framed bar menu; and consultation for alcohol purchase and shopping list for your event. The Signature Sip offers all of the same things as the Pop + Pour, but builds upon it to include four hours of bartending service; two signature cocktails, fresh mixers, and garnishes; and bar equipment. Finally, the Platinum Salute includes all of the same perks but features five plus hours of bartending service and three signature cocktails for your event. 

It’s important to note that none of Salute’s packages include alcohol. Alcohol is provided by the client, as it varies based on the type of event and location. However, Madison can help guide her clients through the process of selecting the right quantity and type of drinks for an event. 

Regardless of the package or type of event, Madison enjoys working closely with her clients to create specific cocktail recipes and tailor Salute’s offerings to clients’ preferences. “I want their party visions to come to life. A lot of packages are clear cut and not exactly what people are looking for. I want my clients to know that I’m on their side, and I want to work with them to make their event everything that they want it to be,” she said. 

Visit Salute! Mobile Bar + Cocktails’ website salute-mobile-bar.square.site for more information. 

With a Splash Mobile Bar

Based in Connecticut, owners Alex Brown and Bri Gervickas started With a Splash Mobile Bar as a way to bring people together. Specializing in both cocktails and mocktails, With a Splash creates an inclusive and delicious drinking experience. On their website, With a Splash states that their business was, “born out of a dedication to craft cocktails and a desire to serve everyone.” 

With a Splash’s signature package includes two customized signature drinks, service of beer and wine, rental of bar trailer or freestanding bar, and fully customized menus. Additionally, With a Splash also offers food packages including charcuterie boards, dessert shooters, and ice cream sandwiches. 

With a Splash services events of all kinds, including but not limited to weddings, birthdays, and more. They specialize in custom drinks and cocktails to represent your event, and also offer private mixology classes as well. 

Additionally, With a Splash recently opened Social Alchemy, a mocktail lounge in Naugatuck, CT. Described as “an intentional drinking experience with delicious mocktails expertly crafted by With a Splash Mobile Bar’s mixologist Alex Brown,” Social Alchemy provides an opportunity to build connection and community without the pressure of alcohol. 

“We really hope to change the way mocktails are viewed and make a more inclusive drinking space for everyone. There’s so many reasons people don’t drink and we put the same love and care into our mocktails as into their cocktail counterparts. Everyone should be able to feel comfortable and have a good time,” Alex and Bri state on their Instagram. 

To learn more about With a Splash Mobile Bar or Social Alchemy, visit their website withasplashmobile.com. 

Live Painting by Amanda Scimeca

Based in Lakeville, CT, Amanda is well versed in the wedding industry. She has worked over 150 weddings through her family’s catering business, and as an artist, she applies her attention to detail to capture the emotions of the day. Amanda uses oils to paint, which separates her from other live painters, most of whom utilize watercolors or acrylics. She utilizes high-quality pigments, which don’t dry very quickly, but allow her to fix details days later, as the paint is still malleable. She “embodies an impressionist and surrealist undertone in her creations, using movements of light and scenery, and incorporating your wedding color palette into the piece.” 

Amanda will work with her clients to discern which “moment” they would like to have captured in the painting. Some moments captured include ceremony, first kiss, first look, the walk down the aisle, the first dance, or another posed moment – the options are endless. 

To learn more about Amanda Scimeca and her services, visit her Instagram @ascimeca.art. 

Live Painting by Janet Howard-Fatta

Based in Warwick, NY, Janet Howard-Fatta has been oil painting since she was 12 years old and treats each piece as a sensory exploration. A self-proclaimed people person, Janet enjoys interacting with guests as they watch her work. Creating works of art that are inspired by love, people, and relationships is her true passion. 

Janet utilizes oil-based paints in her artwork, and captures light, color, and emotion to create dynamic paintings. Each commissioned piece can include up to 14 identifiable guests, as well as the option for suggested background figures. In addition to live painting, Janet can also curate a dynamic, custom painting based on a client’s chosen wedding photograph or video.  

Each painting is created and delivered on a pre-stretched canvas layered with a removable varnish to protect it, and paintings are offered in various styles and sizes to fit different budgets.

To learn more about Janet Howard-Fatta and her services, visit her Instagram @jhoward.studios. 

Jessica Black Onstage

Jessica Black is a multi-talented artist based in the Catskills in New York, who brings elegance and passion whether she’s on the ground or in the air! 

Jessica began studying dance at just seven years old. While studying at New York City’s Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music & Arts, Jessica trained at renowned dance schools including American Ballet Theater, Ballet Academy East, Luigi’s Jazz Dance Center, and Broadway Dance Center.

“I started off in gymnastics when I was really little, had a full-on professional dance career performing around the world, and then I was immersed in aerial arts,” she said. “I have made a career transition into the circus and aerial arts world, and this allows me to travel a lot for all types of events such as weddings, festivals, birthday parties, fashion shows, and grand openings.”

She has previously performed with several NYC-based dance companies, including Michael Mao Dance, Jazz Choreography Enterprises, Edgar Cortes Dance Theater, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Later on, she expanded her career to include performing on the seas with Royal Caribbean’s Cats, and more recently, with Celebrity Cruise Lines. Jessica currently performs with several aerial event entertainment companies throughout New England. She specializes in acrobatics, aerial hoop, silks, sling, aerial bartending, and stilt walking. 

“I’m always striving to learn new artforms, which truly enhances my career,” Jessica said. “My favorite part of my work is being able to share my love for the performing arts with others and also bringing magic and fun to every event.” 

To learn more about Jessica Black, visit her website jbonstage.live. 

Nina’s Balloon Emporium

Owned and operated by April Williams in West Hartford, CT, Nina’s Balloon Emporium specializes in creating unique and eye-catching balloon decor for any occasion. From birthdays to weddings, graduations to anniversaries, Nina’s Balloon Emporium works to create the perfect design to fit each event.

Nina’s Balloon Emporium offers all kinds of balloon decor, including garlands, arches, walls, centerpieces, columns, marquees, and party poles. They offer a variety of packages for each event, all of which can be tailored depending on client’s wants and needs. 

April is a former math teacher and a current school administrator. Her passion for balloon decor started when she was a young child but wasn’t fully realized until she recently decorated for her mother’s 60th birthday party. She is the proud mother of two honor students, both of whom are involved in the balloon business as well! Derek is the photographer, while Calah is the web-developer, and both serve as balloon artists for Nina’s Balloon Emporium. 

To learn more about Nina’s Balloon Emporium, visit ninasballoonemporium.com.