Annual Christmas Mall
Weekend event offers 100+ booths
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

In addition to El Campo's standard retail offerings, shoppers have the opportunity to put a huge dent in their Christmas present purchasing this weekend at the 21st Annual El Campo Chamber of Commerce Christmas Mall.

More than 100 booths are expected again this year at the El Campo Civic Center. 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.

"This is the place to go to pick up those different type items for everything from stocking stuffers to big gift items," Chamber President Becca Socha said.

The variety is sure to please, she added.

"We have a lot of booths - many have jewelry of all different styles from the higher end to just costume," Socha said. "There are plenty of food items to enjoy during the holiday or eat on site. We have woodcraft items, custom-made items and children-related items from games to different novelty toys."

Entertainment will also be offered throughout the run of the mall.

Among the groups scheduled to perform are the St. Robert's Childrens Choir, Cotton Square Dancers, X-Treme Jazz, Dance Pizzazz and Derby Dolls.

"It makes our event more festive," Socha said.

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.

Every vendor space in the Civic Center is booked with a waiting list of other sellers, Socha said, adding that's a strong indication of the popularity of the event.

The Christmas Mall offers something for everyone, Socha added, saying the entertainment should be enjoyable for taking a brief shopping break or to those simply interested in watching the show.

Children are welcome too - with a special treat for them.

Santa will be making an appearance at the El Campo Museum of Natural History, also located in the Civic Center, each day from 1 to 3:30 p.m. for those youngsters wanting to share their Christmas wishes.

During that visit, parents can have photographs taken and help support the museum.

And the day trip doesn't have to end with the final booth or round through the Christmas mall, Socha said, adding El Campo has far more to offer.

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