By Gabrielle Terrett

The Vicksburg Post

Artists, entertainment and a whole lot of holiday fun will be at this year’s Holly Days Arts and Crafts show at the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation Center Dec 2. The event will begin with entertainment at 9 a.m. and will display artwork from artists all over the U.S. for the duration of the show.

“This event is to showcase local vendors, not just from Vicksburg but from other areas as well,” said Stacey Mahoney director of the Southern Cultural Heritage Center. “We even have an artist from Arkansas.”

The event is annual and has been promoting artists and local talent for 10 years. Along with stationary artwork on display, Mahoney says local dance, theater and musical groups will be performing during the Arts and Crafts show as well.

“So far we have River Pointe, Jeame Evans music students, Deborah Franco Preparatory School of Dance students and Studio Triple Threat a local musical theatre group performing,” said Mahoney. “And we are in the process of filling in two more slots.”

Each year the SCHC is sure to fit in with the town’s activities schedule. After starting at 9 a.m., the art show will finish around 3 p.m., just in time for the Christmas parade to start downtown. The event and the parade go hand in hand. After viewing some of the town’s local artists, participants can then go and view the town’s schools and organizations in the parade.

“We always have it during the Christmas parade,” said Mahoney.

“Since we’re located downtown it’s always easy to get ready for the parade that is just downtown. Many people come in and view the art and afterwards go downtown to get ready for the parade.”

The art show is a large event for the city and more than 400 people usually participate each year.

“Last year it was more than 500 people,” said Mahoney. “Although it was raining I don’t think that affected how many people came. We usually get 400 to 500 people each year and a lot of people came out. With the rain going on outside I think this just gave people something to do since we’re inside.”

Each year patrons, artists, vendors and performers participate in the event to celebrate Christmas.

Food is also sold so patrons can fill their bellies before heading to the parade.

This year’s food vendor will be Goldie’s Express and the restaurant will be selling barbeque lunches at the SCHC during the art and crafts show.

The event is open to the young, the old and of course the young at heart and the admission fee is $2 per person.

Artists are encouraged to enter artwork to be showcased and can do so by contacting the SCHC.

“It is a fun event to get you in the Christmas Spirit,” said Mahoney.

For more information on the art show, contact Stacey Mahoney at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center at 601-631-2997.