On each Sunday before Thanksgiving, it’s always “beginning to look a lot like Christmas” in Russsellville. This year, it’s going to feel a lot like Christmas, too.
Weathermen are forecasting by far the coldest day of the young almost-winter season. That should put Logan Countians in the Christmas shopping mood.
Good crowds turned out Saturday for the first day of Christmas in November, the annual two-day handmade craft show conducted by the Logan County Arts & Crafts Club. The 20 or so craftspeople who use their hands and artistic skills to create beautiful gifts and home décor will also have their creations available Sunday afternoon. It will run from 1-5 p.m. at the old armory/recreation center between the post office and Oak ‘n’ Ivy.
Those set up include Elaine Dixon (painted items); Elaine and Lindsay Turner (decorated gourds and okra, painted scenes, homemade potpourri, homemade soap); Susan Inman ((wreaths, snowmen, Christmas ornaments); Linda Chapman and Tommye Brown ((wreaths, flower arrangements), Kay Isenberg-Fisher (wreaths, swags, garland); Sonny Green (hand-painted items and prints); Leanna Bunting and Jessica West (jewelry, ornaments, aprons);
Kathy Hathcock ((knitted dishrags and potholders); Tracy Heaton and Pat Thomas (jewelry, wreaths, scarves, gloves); Randy and Donna Cain (woodcrafts; Roni Fisher (body products, sewn products); Shayna O’Kelley (jewelry); Tammy Hymer (ornaments, baked goods); Charity Watson of Brooke’s Bakery (baked goods); Apryl Whiting (embroidered towels, wraps, clothing, stuffed animals); Hazel Atkins and Shaylee Draven (jeweling); and Andrea West and Debbie Bilyeu (ornaments, hot plates, glass blocks).
A group of teenage girls led by Emma McReynolds has crafted items for sale with proceeds going to those in need.
Members of Friends of the Library are doing gift wrapping for items bought at the market or elsewhere as a fundraiser for the library.
Always a highlight of the Downtown Open Houses is the abundance of refreshments and door prizes at the largest store on Carrico Park Square, Riley-White Drugs & Healthcare.
As usual, local author Algie Ray Smith will be selling and signing his latest book. This one is a murder mystery set in the East End of Russellville in the 1950s and is entitled Pinball Wizard.
A number of other businesses will be open downtown and in nearby shopping areas in Russellville.
The Logan County Republican Women will hold their annual silent auction at GOP Headquarters on the east side of the square.
Also a Holiday Vendor Fair at the Fourth Street Theater will be held from 1-5 p.m. for the first time.
In his weekly Logan Chamber Newsletter, Executive Director Ryan Craig lists which business will be open and who the vendors will be at the theater. See that list on The LoJo at http://www.theloganjournal.com/Stories.aspx?Article=guests342.