Hollyday Mart benefits community

By Emily Brainard, Army Flier StaffOctober 28, 2010

Hollyday Mart benefits community
Youngsters participate in children's activities during the 2008 Holidays in the South Christmas Bazaar. This year, the Fort Rucker Community Spouses Club hosts their Hollyday Mart - a similar arts and crafts fair - Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Da... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Community members can start Christmas shopping early during the Fort Rucker Community Spouses Club's Hollyday Mart Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Daleville High School.

Members anticipate between 75 and 100 local arts and crafts vendors at the event. Merchandise for sale will include jams, jellies, home decorations, art and personalized and monogrammed gifts, crafts, antiques, silent auctions and more. Fair foods will also be available for purchase.

This is the second year the event has been held at the high school.

"It was very successful last year, but I think it's going to be more successful this year, because more people know about it and the new location," said Crissy Baker, FRCSC president.

Entry fee is $2, or the equivalent in canned food goods, per person. All food donations will go to the post food locker to support military Families in need, she said. Any cash collected also benefits community members.

"This is a good event because all the funds go back into our welfare fund, which we use to provide scholarships to Fort Rucker students and students in the community," said Jackie Crogan, Hollyday Mart co-chairperson. "Come out and have a good time."

"It's a good way to start shopping early and help out your community, just by going and purchasing items," Baker said.

Children can shop for parents, siblings and grandparents at the Santa Shop, held in conjunction with the Hollyday Mart. Gift wrapping is provided.

Santa Claus will fly in on a helicopter and pose for photos with children from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a nominal fee, Crogan said.

Some vendors accept credit cards, but customers should also come prepared with cash or checkbooks for those who don't, she said.

For more event information or to become a vendor, visit <a href="http://www.ftruckercsc.com" target="_blank">www.ftruckercsc.com</a>.