Mistletoe Fair to kick off Nov. 18th at Four States Fairgrounds

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The Junior League of Texarkana will ring in the holiday season with its annual Mistletoe Fair beginning Nov. 18 at Four States Fairgrounds. The fair will welcome more than 60 vendors from Texarkana and surrounding communities, and more than 8,000 shoppers are expected to visit Mistletoe Fair this year for exciting unique gift buying opportunities.

The annual Mistletoe Fair is the League’s primary fundraiser, benefiting various community projects such as Shoes for the Soul, Holiday from the Heart, Teacher Take Wing, Once Upon a Prom, and Spring into Reading.

“This is our largest fundraising event that the Junior League of Texarkana puts on every year. The funds that are raised just in this one weekend go to all of our projects within the league. Last year we were able to give $15,000 just to our Shoes for the Soul project. We are able to put shoes on the feet of children who are identified through their school counselors as “at need” children,” explained Missy Lyda, Mistletoe Fair Co-Chair.

“We gave $10,000 last year to Holiday from the Heart, which is really cool because it’s just a week after Mistletoe Fair finishes. We get to go to Walmart and we shop with almost 70 children. This year we are doing something a little different – not only do they get to shop for Christmas presents but each child will also take home a bag full of groceries to prepare a holiday meal,” added Lyda.

The Mistletoe Fair will have a Preview Party, on Thursday, Nov. 17, during which attendees can get a preview at all vendor booths, and an opportunity to buy first. Tickets for this year’s Preview Party are $50 and include hors d’ oeuvres, beer and wine selections and a cash bar.

The purchase of the Preview Party ticket also includes casino chips to get you started playing on professionally staffed Blackjack, craps, and Roulette tables. Guests will be entertained by one of Texarkana’s favorite band, “Split Decision”, while having fun with casino games, getting early shopping done and bidding silent auction items donated by local businesses.

There will also be a benefit drawing during Preview Party for a vacation valued at $4,000, to a destination of your choice including Costa Rica, Hawaii, or Sonoma. Tickets can be purchased for $50.

Enjoy private shopping during Friday’s Mistletoe Fair Brunch featuring mimosas, a three course meal and table decorations by Julie’s Deli. Private shopping begins at 9 a.m. Brunch tickets are $40.00.

Friday night will be a fun-filled family evening beginning with a 5:30 p.m. Story Time with Mrs. Claus, followed by the big event – Santa’s helicopter arrival at 6:30 p.m. Photographers will be on hand to take pictures with Santa throughout the fair for $10 each.

Throughout the weekend, many local dance and cheer companies will be performing for your entertainment. Breakfast with Santa, Santa’s Workshop and Story Time with Santa will also be taking place on both days. Reservations for events can be made in advance or limited seating will be sold at the door.

During this year’s Mistletoe Fair, there will also be a “Ladies Night with a Twist” featuring Painting with a Twist. During which ladies of the community can enjoy food and drinks while they paint. Ladies night will take place on Saturday, November 19th, from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Tickets are $50.00.

“Last year we gave out thousand and thousands of dollars all because of this one event. So when you are looking online and you are wanting to buy a ticket for the event, don’t think of it as just buying something for an experience for yourself, but think of it as giving back to the women and children of this community,” said Missy Lyda.

“Theres always something for everyone at the Mistletoe Fair. This year not only can you buy all of your christmas presents ahead of time, but you are able to have them gift wrapped. This year we are also going to have a gift wrapping booth, so once you buy all of those wonderful things, you can have them wrapped, and ready to put underneath the tree, even before Thanksgiving.”

Tickets to the fair and reservations for all the events are available by calling the Junior League office at 870-772-9948 or online at Junior League of Texarkana.

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