Hundreds of shoppers were able to check items off their Christmas list Saturday during the 10th annual Holly Days Arts and Crafts show hosted by the Southern Cultural Heritage Center.

Twenty-seven vendors were in attendance selling their wares including handmade guitars, candles, stained glass and more.

“It is a little different this year,” SCHC executive director Stacey Mahoney said. “We try to change it up and keep it fresh and new. We do have several new vendors this year and then we do have some that are returning who have done it for years. It is a good mix and we have a good variety. I am excited about our new stuff this year.”

One of the new vendors was Joe Cole, who made the trip from Flora to sell his Deep Root Guitars, which he makes using license plates and cigar boxes.

“I was looking online for pallet wood projects and ran across the license plate guitars and thought I have junk in my garage I can build that out of,” Cole said. “It went from there. I started doing a few of the cigar boxes and I do more of the license plates. Folks will give me a tag and I’ll build them a guitar.”

This was only his second show selling his guitars after starting to make them about two years ago, but he said he plans to return to Holly Days next year.

“I thought it would be a good time with Christmas and these make great Christmas presents. I thought I’d come out and see if anybody wants one,” Cole said. “A lot of interest, people like them, it puts a smile on their face. I have sold a couple and it’s been good so far.”

Alice Reed from Little Rock, Ark., was set up at Holly Days for the seventh straight year selling her Simple Sassy Suppers, which include soup mixes, dip mixes and more.

“We love Vicksburg,” Reed said. “You have so much history here. Each time we come we like to do something different. It is a beautiful town. You have a lot to offer here, a lot of history, it is just enjoyable to come.”

In her years coming to the show, Reed said she has built a loyal customer base, which keeps her coming back each year.

“People come looking for us,” Reed said. “We have people who tell us we’re so glad you’re here. That makes us feel so good and keeps us coming back. The customers look for us and want to restock and we are grateful for the business and thankful they keep coming back to us.”

While shoppers were checking out the crafts, performers from Riverpointe Dance Studio, Debra Franco School of Dance, the music students of Jeanne Evans and more provided entertainment.

“This is one of the things we are known for,” Mahoney said. “People look forward to coming. It is always the day of the parade. It is nice to come out, do some shopping, get in the Christmas spirit and then go watch the parade.”