Christy Edwards may create hand-crafted quilted sheep, but she isn’t a bit sheepish when it comes to talking about the annual Christmas Ornament Festival she hosts at the Burnsville Town Center. In fact, she can’t contain her excitement about the more than 30 local artists who will be selling their work at the 15th annual event, being held on Saturday, November 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“While shoppers have numerous handcrafted holiday ornaments to choose from, they’ll also find jewelry, pottery, wooden toys and more,” Edwards says. As an art teacher at nearby Mountain Heritage High School, Edwards takes great pride in the fact that several of the festival’s vendors are former students. “While my students have gone on to various careers, they are passionate about continuing to make art and participating in this show.”
Opportunities abound for shoppers who want to make their holiday purchases after Thanksgiving as well. The Burnsville Town Center will open its doors to the 6th Annual Christmas Extravaganza on Saturday, November 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Founders Michele Neill and Teresa Sturgill created the event to help bring crafters and customers together in a single location.
“Last year, Michele and I made the decision to hold the event on Small Business Saturday,” Sturgill says. “We enjoy giving the public an opportunity to support so many small businesses. We also wanted to create an opportunity for direct sellers to share their wares.” Items for sale include jewelry, books, clothing, handmade soaps and quilting.
Beyond supporting local artists and business people, the event supports Burnsville nonprofit Reconciliation House, which has been providing food and clothing for area individuals and families in need for more than 30 years. “We ask each vendor to donate an item from their booth for a raffle, the proceeds of which go to Reconciliation House,” says Sturgill. It’s a great way to get a gift as well as give a gift.
