Friday’s Country Christmas Craft Show features custom work of local artisans
Walthall tax assessor/collector Peggy Hilburn is again preparing vegetable beef soup, given away free to visitors stopping by the county courthouse during Friday’s Country Christmas Festival. Each year, Hilburn says ounty officials contribute each year toward purchasing the ingredients to prepare the soup, served at the courthouse lobby. Serving starts at mid-morning and continues until it’s gone. Hilburn said she’s been stirring up a batch of her special recipe as a feature of the Christmas Festival since she’s been in office. “Soup is something just about every family can remember, as most families saved leftover vegetables and leftover meat dishes, throwing it all in a pot to mix anb boil. Back in the day, it was a way families stretched their food budget, making do with what thy had, using leftovers and coming up with a healthy meal, especially during the cooler winter months.” she said.
Tylertown’s Country Christmas Festival Craft Show is a sell-out with vendors exhibiting their gifting selection to prospective buyers who turn out for the event at the Agri-Heitage Building–the Farmers Market location–spanning two days, this Friday, opening from 1-6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Each year the show continues to grow, attracting crafters and artisans from all over South Mississippi and Southeast Louisiana.
All vendor spaces are taken for the show, and some will be set up outside the building. Chamber of Commerce puts on the show as part of the Celebrating the Season holiday promotion.
There is no admission to attend the craft show and large crowds are expected at the Agri-Heritage Center to see the various hand crafted holiday gifts available for purchase.
Live, on-stage entertainment takes place throughout the day.
Vendors at the festival will be offering a huge selection of items, many of them quite unusual. There is a variety of metalwork, suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Wreaths, woodwork, embroidery, shirts, ornaments, signs will be available. One vendor is bringing a selection of flashlights and headlights, always useful around the house or in your car. Some of the long-time favorite cooks, bakers and candymakers will be on hand, too, along with jellies, preserves and breads.
A total of 38 vendors will be set-up for the two-day events, including:
Melinda Moak, Tylertown: quilts, blankets, baked goods;
Dot Johnson, Foxworth: T-shirts, baked goods;
Phillip Branch, Tylertown: honey, syrup, etc.
Patti Wattigney, Tylertown: quilts, table arrangements, wreaths;
Floyd Netterville, Smithdale: Indoor and outdoor metal artwork;
Sara Ross, Tylertown: goat milk soaps, caramel, honey;
Mary Buford, Columbia: Watkins products, baked goods, fashion wear, novelties;
Ashley Allen, Tylertown: shirts, cups, ornaments;
Crystal Oliphant , Kokomo: crochet, wood creations, sweets, baked goods, plants, resin;
Tracey Smith, Albany, La.: diamond art, fudge, pretzels, cookies, paintings;
Zeta Wallace, Summit: jewelry, sewing, bookmarks;
Kristi Newman, McComb: wreaths, t-shirts, earrings, bracelets;
Tisha Brown, Tylertown: laser engraving and sweets;
Susan Slagle, Crosby: homemade soap, bath bombs, solid bubble bath, bath truffles, shower steamers;
Jennifer Koepp O’Quin, Columbia: stones, hand-made jewelry, suncatchers, sifting bags for kids;
Kristina Mitchell, Tylertown: hand-painted wood crafts;
Megan Clayton, Bogalusa, La.: earrings;
Ann Stevens, Tylertown: crystal carvings, stone jewelry, baked goods;
Jennifer Blanchard, Hattiesburg: tumblers, door hangers, jelly, salsa, pens, badge reels;
Mark Rolison. Tylertown: cutting boards, woodworking, baked goods;
Tiffany Armstrong, McComb: handmade wreaths and décor;
Terry Reid, Tylertown: jelly, jam, bread;
Vick Gulotta, Tylertown: woodworking;
Doyce Barnes, Tylertown: laser-engraved gifts;
Jason Slaughter, French Settlement, La.: glass hummingbird feeders and other gift item;
Jane Shields, Flowood: earrings, bows, accessories;
Kristen Cowell, Tylertown: doorhangers, cookies, etc.;
Teresa Dufrene, Monticello: jewelry, sewing, crochet;
Brenda Lee, Sandy Hook: Avon;
Janice Bellelo, McComb: paintings, prints, woodwork, Christmas ornaments;
Bridget Graham, Tylertown: boutique clothes, jewelry and accessories;
Linda Presher, Laurel: angels, keychains, t-shirts, bags and jewelry;
Katelin Davis, Moselle: gifts;
Theola Smith, Tylertown: hand-sewn gifts;
Tim Rivers, Bridge City, La.: flashlights, walkie talkies, various gift items;
Kastin Boyd, Tylertown: jewelry;
Melissa Dillon, Magnolia: jelly, jam, crochet, honey, door hangers, boiled peanuts;
Larkin Brock, Sandy Hook: jewelry.
