Annual Chamber Christmas Mall coming soon
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Shannon Crabtree Looking Over The Offerings Patsy Korenek of El Campo was one of the hundreds of visitors to the Chamber of Commerce annual Christmas Mall this weekend at the Civic last year at the Civic Center. The annual event is coming up the first weekend of December.

Final preparations are under way for the 21st Annual El Campo Chamber of Commerce Christmas Mall.

More than 100 booths are expected again this year with a wide variety of items to be offered to the public at the El Campo Civic Center running from the Main Hall and Expansion Room through the Myatt and Duson Rooms

The event is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $2 per person, but the ticket is good for both days.

Entertainment is a focus this year, Chamber President Becca Socha said.

"We currently have booked St. Robert's Childrens Choir, Cotton Square Dancers, XTreme Jazz, Dance Pizzazz and Derby Dolls," she said. "Our vendors love having entertainment through the day and it makes our event more festive."

The chamber still has open time slots. Groups interested in performing can call the Chamber at 543-2713 to book.

"Nothing makes you prouder than to see (children or grandchildren) on stage performing. Help us fill our time slots with your children showing their talents," Socha said.

A food court will have breakfast and lunch items in the Duson room

"We have a great Christmas Mall planned," she said, adding "Last year, we had lots of complements on the different and unique items you don't see in the stores."

An estimated crowd of 2,226 flocked to the 2006 event, far surpassing the average of 1,500 to 1,800 visitors over the weekend event.

"It was the highest in several years," Socha said, adding she's hoping for a great turn out this year as well.

The El Campo Museum of Natural History, also located in the Civic Center, will have Santa visiting each day from 1 to 3:30 p.m. for those wanting to bring children.

As youngsters share their Christmas wishes with the jolly old elf, parents can have photographs taken and help support the museum.

"Remember that our retail stores offer great sales during this weekend," Socha said. "So make it a day to get your Christmas shopping completed."