The Mistletoe Market was held from November 21st to 23rd, with several businesses across the ArkLaTex setting up venues at the Texarkana Convention Center. The Market is held annually in Texarkana, featuring a variety of businesses, auctions, guest performances, and children’s events that keep the weekend merry and bright and mark the start of local holiday festivities.
The market allows businesses across the ArkLaTex to generate interest in their products and increase outreach to the community. “This is my first time to be a vendor, and I recommend anyone who would like to do it to do so,” said Tammy Rosales, a vendor for Front Door Frosting. “I have gotten so many customer work orders for specialty products today.” Front Door Frosting specializes in making handcrafted wreaths and other seasonal decor. Some vendors have been at the market for several years, while others began just this year, but they all help come together to create a sense of holiday spirit, no matter how niche their business is.
“We have enjoyed talking with some of our current clients and potential new clients,” said Jana House, a vendor for the Piercing Room. “I think it helps me get into the holiday spirit by all of the kindness and the joy I’ve seen here. These new faces, smiling and asking what we do, and the people who are putting this on actually enjoy this.” The market allows each business to meet old and new buyers, build meaningful relationships, and foster holiday cheer among the people of Texarkana.
“It’s a great, fun thing for people to do,” explained Buckled With Joy’s Melinda Miers. “It’s a great place to get unique and original Christmas gifts, and we’ve got Christmas music playing, local dance teams, cheerleaders, and choirs coming in. Santa and Mrs. Claus are here, too, and it’s a great way to kick off the Christmas season.”
The Texarkana Convention Center was filled with thousands coming and going over the weekend, with families and friends coming together to shop and celebrate the holidays. The market featured various groups from across Texarkana performing, including the Pleasant Grove Star Steppers and the Arkansas High Varsity Cheer Team. The bustle of the venue, along with the performances, left the guests feeling genuine holiday cheer. “We’re bringing Christmas spirit by being here; making others happy makes us happy too,” said Addison Grant. “This is kind of our way of community outreach this time of year; Just making sure that everybody feels happy here since we’re all getting together.”
The Mistletoe Market not only boosts businesses and holiday spirit but also provides the ArkLaTex community with an opportunity to support those in need during the holiday season.
Toys for Tots helps distribute toys to kids and families who may be struggling, spreading holiday cheer to those who need it the most. “The Mistletoe Market allowed us to put a position and get our name out there. Get some awareness for the organization,” explained Sgt. Donovan Nerio. “Our main goal is making sure no one’s left out. There are a lot of unfortunate families out there that can’t afford a Christmas or either they’re in a financial struggle. And what this organization allows us to do is making sure, reaching out. The more we get our name out, the more people are aware of it and are able to get a toy for their child on Christmas.”
The Tough Kookie Foundation was set up at the market to educate and talk with anyone curious about cancer screenings. Founder Katrina Levingston set up with the Foundation all weekend, giving away free quilts, pajamas, bras, wigs, and other materials to anyone battling cancer. “Today we’re educating the community. We’re telling them about all the free services that we provide, like mammograms, ultrasound, and breast MRIs, not just for the women, but for men too.” The holidays can be a rough time to schedule cancer screenings, but the Tough Kookie Foundation helps anyone going through treatments or recovery processes.
Through business outreach, performances, and giving to a community in need, the Mistletoe Market allows for all sorts of holiday festivities and acts as a bright start to the season. “I have been here the past four years, and I have seen what it does for the spirit of Texarkana,” said Santa Claus. “By taking photos with Santa and being in this good atmosphere, you really see how all this together brings out that Christmas spirit in people.”
