More than 75 vendors offer wares during Hollyday Mart

By Erin Murray, Army Flier Staff WriterNovember 3, 2011

More than 75 vendors offer wares during Hollyday Mart
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (November 3, 2011) -- The Fort Rucker Community Spouses Club will host more than 75 vendors and several entertainment events at their annual Hollyday Mart Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Enterprise Civic Center.

The Hollyday Mart is the FRCSC's biggest annual fundraiser, bringing in thousands of dollars that are given back to the surrounding community, said Christin James, club president.

"It's a good way for the local community to support Fort Rucker. The money we raise goes back into the community by way of scholarships and grants," she said.

Admission into the mart is $2 and two nonperishable food items, a small price to pay for a day of holiday shopping and entertainment, according to Erica Geranen, coordinator of the Hollyday Mart.

Entertainment events include performances by the Fort Rucker Elementary School band at 9:30 a.m., the Fort Rucker Primary School choir at 11 a.m. and Wiregrass Cheer and Dance at 1 p.m. There will also be an all-ages fashion show with clothing provided by the Fort Rucker Thrift Shop.

A new event, The Miss Hollyday pageant, will be held at 2 p.m. and will have participants from infants to adults. FRCSC introduced the event as a way to draw more shoppers, and to help raise more money for their philanthropy, said James.

"Miss Hollyday Mart is a way for civilians to get involved. This is something they get to be a part of, not just as vendors or shoppers," she said.

Other events during the day include a silent auction, bake sale and opportunity drawings for items from local businesses, with all proceeds going to the FRCSC's scholarship program.

"Hollyday mart is our biggest fundraiser of the year. The more people who attend, the more change we're going to be able to bring to the community. It really is better to give than to receive," said Geranen.