This Friday and Saturday, the Town of Stuart will host quite the lineup of holiday events: a Grand Illumination tree-lighting, extended Main Street shopping hours, the Stuart United Methodist Church Christmas Bazaar, movies and free books from the library, a special holiday Farmer’s Market, a cookie exchange, and the Christmas parade.
Kicking off the weekend, Main Street comes alive for Patrick County’s Grand Illumination tree-lighting at 6 p.m. in front of the courthouse. This year’s tree was donated by Ayers-Kreh Christmas Tree Farm, and decorated in ornaments made by county students.
Main Street merchants Blue Ridge Furniture, The Coffee Break, Home Comforts, Honduras Coffee Shop, Main Street Cards and Gifts, Marilyn’s Florist, Mattie B’s, Quilted Colors and Wanda’s Jewelry will keep extended hours, staying open until 8 p.m. Take a break from shopping to enjoy live Christmas music and be sure to keep an eye out for Jolly Old Saint Nick.
For early-bird shoppers, Saturday morning brings the 7 a.m. opening of the Stuart United Methodist Church Christmas Bazaar. Open until 4 p.m., the fund-raising bazaar offers handmade crafts and toys; a free coat and clothes closet; a yard-sale room and white elephant gift exchange; homemade soup, chili and baked goods; and coffee, hot chocolate, hot dogs and hamburgers.
Special guest Santa Claus will visit from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. should anyone need to place requests with him.
From 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., the Patrick County Library bookmobile will be open for tours and checkouts. Library staff members said they’ve been in contact with the North Pole and “have it on good authority that a certain jolly gentleman who answers to the name of ‘Santa’ ” will visit the bookmobile that day. He may even be persuaded to read a story or two.
At 10:30 a.m., the library will show the movie “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer,” and serve popcorn and lemonade. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Stuart Book Club will give out free children’s books.
Have more shopping to do? Head down to the Stuart Farmer’s Market for the Mistletoe Market to peruse vendor booths filled with hand-crafted décor, crafts, cider, baked items, knitted scarves, boiled peanuts, soaps and lotions, fresh-roasted coffee, herbal tea and Christmas cacti. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Next, give in to your holiday sweet tooth with the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce’s Cindy Hoback Christmas Cookie Exchange at 1 p.m. Three years ago, Hoback joined the Chamber’s Board, launching the idea for the cookie exchange, explained Tim Collins, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber members have named the cookie exchange after Hoback to show their appreciation for her efforts.
Those who would like to participate in the exchange are asked to bring three dozen of their favorite cookies; then pick out two dozen treats to take home. The extra dozen from each participant will be shared with families served by Mountain Valley Hospice.
The chamber will provide containers for participants to use in taking cookies home. Bakery cookies are fine, but no pre-packaged cookies please, organizers asked.
As 2 p.m. approaches, find a good spot for parade watching and prepare to enjoy the Patrick County Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is Santa’s Workshop, honoring the memory of Henry Ayers. The parade features pageant winners, fire and rescue vehicles, antique cars, and local dignitaries—with Santa remaining the most popular attraction.
Parade entry forms are available at WHEO radio station; the fee is $25. Horses and ATVs are $5. For parade updates and information, visit the Patrick County Christmas Parade Facebook page.
-Angela H. Hill
