Up & Coming Weekly

OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 3, 2009 UCW 9 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM For serious holiday shoppers in Fayetteville it is not the day after Thanksgiving sales and early morning crowds following a day of overindulgence that kicks off the Christmas rush. No, it is the Holly Day Fair that has everyone pulling out their gift lists as they head to the Crown Expo Center to fi nd just the right treasure to tuck under the tree for those they love. Mark that calendar and start thinking about who has been naughty and who has been nice because Nov. 5 - 8, the Junior League of Fayetteville is hosting what has become the largest holiday and gift show in eastern North Carolina and you are invited. "It is very exciting," said Mandi Smith, Holly Day Fair chair of the event that has become a beloved tradition in Fayetteville. "It all begins when you walk in the front doors of the Expo Center. We will get you started in the holiday spirit." This year's theme is Rocking Around the Christmas Tree. In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, the event organizers have added a fun, new twist. There will be a Jingle Bell Rock raffl e. The winner will be able to choose one of three rings from Rhudy's Jewelry. Raffl e tickets are $5 but will yield he winner a green amethyst, smokey quartz or aquamarine stone ring surrounded by diamonds according to Smith. There will also be a 50/50 raffl e this year. The event routinely brings more than 200 vendors to share their goodies with eager shoppers, and this year is no different. "We've got all of our good favorites back," said Smith. "All the great foods — Taste of Greece.... Helmut's Strudel.... we've got Girlees and Brothers Too out of Lumberton and all the wineries will be back again. We have a lot coming in from out of town, too." Some of the new vendors include Pink Ponies and homemade ice cream among many others. To keep the retail choices interesting, the show is juried every year so that there are not too many booths carrying similar items. Finding a mix of local and out of town vendors who offer a good variety is always a consideration, and one that Smith takes seriously. "We've got stuff of all prices, too....... probably starting at less than $5," said Smith. "We tried to focus on some of the price points because of the current economy, but you can fi nd a gift for everybody and in every budget." In addition to great shopping, customers who come to the Holly Day Fair can rest easy knowing that the money they pay for admission is going right back into the community. "We work for the Southeastern Food Bank with the Back Pack Buddies program for children that are going hungry on the weekends," said Smith giving an example of just one of the many ways that proceeds are distributed. "We do other things in our community, supporting other agencies, too. Not only will they (the shoppers) have a great shopping experience, but it is going to be one that is actually benefi tting the community. What better way to come out and shop than to know that your $8 general admission ticket is going to help feed a child on weekends?" Last year the Junior League of Fayetteville raised more than $270,000 that they were able to use to support local worthy causes and have donated more than 90,000 hours of service to make Fayetteville a better place and they do it with fl air and smiles on their faces as they put together events, like the Holly Day Fair, that the rest of us can enjoy. "We are really the kick-off to the holiday season for a lot of people," said Smith. "And we put a lot of volunteer hours into hosting it for the community — and we have a lot of fun doing it." The doors open on Thursday at 9 a.m. for Super Shopper hours which will last until noon followed by regular shopping from 12-8 p.m. Hours on Friday are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with Sunday wrapping-up the event from 12-5 p.m. General admission is $8, Super Shopper admission is $12 — no strollers please. Children under fi ve are free. Tickets can be purchased at The Junior League of Fayetteville Headquarters, The Pilgrim, The Crown Coliseum Box Offi ce,Hilltop Coffee House, Bell's Seed Store,The Ritz Salon, So Chic Bebe,Yellow Finch and Elle's. Holly Day Fair Rings In the Season by STEPHANIE CRIDER 43 Brou ght to you by the Ju nior Leagu e of Fayetteville 43 43 43 2009 Enter for your chance to Enter for your chance to WIN tickets WIN tickets Enter for your chance to WIN tickets Name______________________________________ Phone Number___________________________________ Email_______________________________________ Please send completed entry form to Up & Coming Weekly, 208 Rowan St., Fayetteville, NC 28301 or fax to 910.484.9218. 910.321.0123 FIREANTZHOCKEY.COM 910.321.0123 FIREANTZHOCKEY.COM $OO.LGV 8QGHU 7LFNHWV6WLOO$YDLODEOH Next Home Game Next Home Game November 20 VS 6DOXWH7R7KH 0LOLWDU\:HHNHQG )ULGD\1RYHPEHU 6DWXUGD\1RYHPEHU SP 96 VS STEPHANIE CRIDER, Staff Writer COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or Stephanie@upandcomingweekly.com

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