Junior League Holiday Market wraps up with Girls Night Out

Junior League of Fort Smith's 21st annual Holiday Market wrapped up Saturday (Nov. 22) evening with a special "Girls Night Out" celebration. Hosted at the Fort Smith Convention Center, the event drew hundreds of women for a fun night of fashion, food, fun, and of course, shopping.

Doors opened to Girls Night Out at 6 p.m., following a full day of general shopping and Christmas festivities. Guests dined on delicious hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and drinks while browsing the rows of silent auction tables and taking in a little shopping at the participating vendors.

The highlight of the evening was the premier fashion show, which featured looks from a number of Holiday Market participants. Several local women's and children's boutiques showcased items in the show, with models walking the runway in the season's hottest trends.

More than 120 merchants were featured at market, including many local shops. Some vendors traveled from across the state and country to take part in the event. Booths offered everything from clothing and jewelry to food and home decor. The ladies-only night capped off three days of activities for the ever-popular Holiday Market, which kicked off on Thursday evening with a VIP shopping event that included first access to the vendors and booths. The preview party included hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and a chance to enter the $1,000 Newton's Jewelers Shopping Spree raffle.

Shopping for the general public was open on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Friday night, Junior League hosted a Masquerade Gala. Focusing on the organization's primary impact area, the night's theme was "unmasking aging out of foster care." JLFS seeks to  promote education and educational opportunities that foster healthy growth and lifestyles in the River Valley, with an emphasis on research and implementing programs that prepare transition-aged youth for life outside of foster care.

The gala included dinner, drinks, a live and silent auction, and music Mr. Cabbage Head and the Screaming Radishes. A raffle for a DeBeers diamond necklace, provided by Newton's Jewelers, was also held.

Saturday morning included a visit from Santa, with a special "Twas the Night Before Christmas" themed morning. Kids were given the chance to tell St. Nick what was on their Christmas list and have their picture taken for mom and dad. The morning also included live characters, face painting, and balloon art. In addition to their photo with Santa, each child was gifted their own personal stocking.

Proceeds from the three-day event support Junior League of Fort Smith and its community service projects. Founded in 1950, the group has been instrumental in launching several projects and non-profit organizations, including Gateway House, Comprehensive Juvenile Services, and the Children's Emergency Shelter in Fort Smith.

Junior League of Fort Smith is comprised of more than 400 women from throughout the area who are committed "to improving the community through volunteer action."