Make plans to be here this Saturday for “Christmas in Clarendon” as merchants and vendors roll out their holiday wares and activities abound throughout the day.
Saturday’s activities begin with the Chamber of Commerce’s third annual bazaar that will feature local merchants’ sales as well as several vendors in downtown locations, such as the Arena of Life Cowboy Church, the Clarendon College Nursing Building, and other venues on Kearney Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holiday vendors will be offering a wide variety of products, including jewelry, candles, locally made soaps and lotions, photography, beaded items, handmade wooden crafts, handmade purses, cakes, pies, cook books, and t-shirts.
Booth spaces for vendors are still available by contacting Bonnie Campbell at the Clarendon Visitor Center at 874-2421 or on her cell at 205-3150.
Santa Claus will be available for photos at the Mulkey Theatre from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and again from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Kids of all ages are welcome to come have their pictures made with the Jolly Old Elf.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church will have lunch and concessions in the Masonic Lodge Dining Hall next to the Donley County State Bank, and the Cowboy Church youth group will also have a bake sale.
The Clarendon Visitor Center at Mulkey Theatre will have “Clarendon, Texas” merchandise available for purchase. Clarendon mugs, shot glasses, and magnets are perfect stocking stuffers. The Chamber will also be selling chances on four hand-made Christmas wreaths. Chances are $1 each or 12 chances for $10.
The Chamber invites everyone to visit the merchants and vendors during the day, and also encourages everyone to participate in the third annual Great Bowls of Fire Chili Challenge with a chance to win $250 in Clarendon Cash.
Chili Challenge ballots and a list of participating merchants will be available for $5 each from the Visitor Center at Mulkey Theatre during the day December 12, and the Challenge will run from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Chili tasters then visit each of the participating merchants to sample the chili in their stores, have their ballot stamped, and cast vote for their favorite chili.
The merchant with the most votes will get bragging rights and a handsome plaque, and the ballot of one lucky chili taster will be drawn to receive $250 in Clarendon Cash from the Chamber of Commerce.
The highlight of the evening will be the second annual Courthouse Lighting Celebration, beginning at 5 p.m. with an appearance by Santa Claus and caroling featuring local children’s groups. The formal lighting will be at 6 p.m.
Following the lighting, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary will hold a soup and stew dinner at the Clarendon Lions Hall for $5 per person featuring homemade chicken noodle soup, potato soup, or stew and regular or jalapeno cornbread.
Shop at home this holiday season and remember the important role your local merchants play in keeping your community strong.
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