Holiday Market marks 20th year with ‘Blast from the Past’

Junior League of Fort Smith celebrated the 20th anniversary of its signature fundraiser, Holiday Market, with a "Blast from the Past" preview party on Thursday (Nov. 21) evening.

Hundreds gathered at the Fort Smith Convention Center to commemorate the fundraiser's milestone birthday and to enjoy an evening of reminiscing and shopping. Guests were invited to "take a trip down memory lane" and learn about Junior League's work in the Fort Smith community over the last several decades. Photos and news clippings, showcasing events and projects from years' past, were displayed in frames throughout the center.

Founded in 1950, the club was originally known as the Fort Smith Service League Day Nursery. The group attained Junior League status in 1960. In its more than 60 years of community service, JLFS has been instrumental in launching several projects and non-profit organizations, including "Kids in the Kitchen" and the Children's Emergency Shelter in Fort Smith.

"Holiday Market is our largest annual fundraiser and all proceeds help support our mission," said Ashley Ahlert, Junior League of Fort Smith president. "Our focus is on working with transitional youth aging out of foster care in Sebastian County. Sebastian County currently has the largest percentage of children in foster care in the entire state."

Tickets to the event were $40 and included the chance to bid in both a live and silent auction. Up for grabs were more than 100 specialty items, gift baskets and high-end prize packages.

Musician Brandon White provided live entertainment throughout the evening, as guests dined on a wide-variety of hors d'oeuvre and dessert samples from local restaurants.

In addition to the "Blast from the Past" celebration, visitors were encouraged to "shop 'til they drop" in the dozens of booth stationed around the exhibit hall. This year's market featured a wide-array of clothes boutiques, children's shops, food vendors and other booths from around the region.

Thursday's preview party kicked-off a weekend full of Holiday Market activities. Friday (Nov. 22) evening will be Girls' Night  and will include a fashion show, a live DJ, signature cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and exclusive shopping. Ladies will also have the chance to enter to win a $3,600 gift certificate from Newton's Jewelers. "Girls Night Out" will get under way at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30.

Saturday (Nov. 23)  is all about Santa, and kids will have the chance to tell Santa what's on their wish lists and have their picture taken with the big guy. There will be two sessions, with the morning event taking place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the afternoon session lasting from 1 to 3 p.m. Both will include live musical entertainment from the Brian Kinder Band, as well as holiday arts and crafts, and a visit from "the balloon lady." Cost is $15 per child.

All activities, including general shopping, will be held at the Fort Smith Convention Center. General admission tickets are $5 and includes full-access shopping to the more than 100 vendors. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.