Published: November 15, 2008 01:25 am            

Christmas Extravaganza

A one day Christmas shopping option

By Ben Lockridge

blockridge@themeridianstar.com



If you're looking for alternative Christmas shopping options this year, you can visit Church of the Way on Nov. 22 for their Christmas Extravaganza.

This is the second year for the event, and one of the organizers, Belinda Gwinn, says that it went very well the previous year with the exception of one incident.

"There was a wreck and a power pole was struck. We lost power in the gym where we held it," Gwinn said.

"Despite that, the event went very well," said Rev. Jack Giles, pastor of Church of the Way. "It's going to be even better this year. A lot bigger."

There will be more 20 booths set up at the Church made up of individuals who will be selling their items, along with a few businesses participating.

The proceeds raised go to the church benevolence fund.

"This year there are more people in need than last year with the economy where it is. We're trying to position ourselves so that we can help everyone that we can," Giles said.

"We feel that this year the money needs to stay in house so that we can be an arm reach out to the community," said Jennifer Shirley who also helped organize the event.

While the funds raised will help those in need; there are still more who benefit from the extravaganza.

"By having the booths, because most of them are homemakers; they are able to make a little extra money," Belinda explained.

The way their system works, is that an individual rents a booth for the event; and that money goes to the church, while the individual still profits as well. This helps both parties financially. Each booth for the event cost is $20.

There will be a wide variety of items for shoppers to choose from. Some of these include:

• Stained glass and embroidery

• Make-up and custom made jewelry

• Peanut brittle and sweet treats

• Wooden yard art and painted furniture

• Christmas ornaments and hair bows

• Purses, wallets and sunglasses, and lots more.

There will also be concessions available along with an inflatable slide to keep the kids busy while parents shop.

The Church of the Way Christmas Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

        

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