Shop Christmas Mall for unique gifts
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 last year at the Civic Center. The event is coming up the first weekend of December.

More than 100 booths offering everything from clothing to yard ornaments will be on display at the El Campo Civic Center this weekend during the 22nd Annual El Campo Chamber of Commerce Christmas Mall.

"It ranges from home-baked goods to hand-crafted items to customized items, to wood items, jewelry and a little bit of everything," Chamber President Becca Socha said.

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, $1 for those 12 and younger, but the ticket is good for both days.

Booths will span an area from the Main Hall and Expansion Room through the Myatt and Duson Rooms.

The chamber is still looking for entertainment.

Socha is asking any church or youth group interested in performing to contact the chamber at 543-2713.

"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 more than 2,000 flocked to the 2007 event, Socha said, adding she's hoping for a great turn-out this year as well.

With the tight economy, shoppers are watching dollars, she said. "Hopefully they will stay local rather than traveling," Socha said. "Our stores are doing a great job offering sales. Rather than traveling, I'm hoping they will take advantage of that. El Campo is blessed having so many different stores."

The El Campo Museum of Natural History, also located in the Civic Center, will have Santa visiting each day from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

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