Full lineup of booths, businesses will offer treats, gifts at Gainesville Christmas event

This year’s Wonders of Christmas festival and parade, set to begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6,  is shaping up to be one of the biggest in recent history. Excited festival organizers Paula Rose, Allisa West and Pearl Schneider say that, in addition to a big line-up of parade floats and entries, this year’s booth count continues to grow. The vendor list features several tasty dinner options and sweet treats, as well as several booths and stores that are sure to provide attendees with lots of Christmas-present ideas. 

Those wishing to have a booth at the Wonders of Christmas festival are asked to contact Pearl Schneider at 417-679-0388. Booths can include crafts, food, fundraiser games or anything else, organizers say. Items can be handmade and/or local, but they are not required to be. There is no fee to have a booth.

 

Tasty treats

The Ozark County Historium will serve a variety of homemade soups and chili with all the trimmings, homemade cookies and cold sodas on a donation basis, with a suggested minimum donation of $5. Organizers say  tables and chairs will be set up inside the warm Historium building for diners to use. 

Fried & Frozen food truck will be on site with its infamous tacos, nachos, donuts, ice cream and other frozen treats. 

Four Siostras (Polish for sisters),  including Linda Hannaford, Janice Hall, Susan Seiler and Sharon Seay, daughters of Boyd and Julia Ellison, will sell a variety of sweet treats, including their famed Polish nut bread, povitica (pronounced Po-vee-ti-ca). Polish filled cookies (kolaczki), Christmas truffles, sugar cookies and hot coffee will also be available. The women say they’re happy to carry on the Polish traditions of their ancestors. 

United Country Missouri Ozarks Realty (see ad on page 12), located on the north side of the Gainesville square, will host an open house during the Wonders of Christmas festival with complimentary coffee, tea and Christmas cookies. 

Chigger Ridge Fudge plans to bring its famous homemade fudge in a variety of flavors. Owner Debbie Jordan said, “No chiggers were harmed in the making of the fudge.”

Kim Hickerson will serve up sliced apples with caramel. She said she’ll also have some Pampered Chef products available for purchase. 

Michelle Strain and Brianna Johnson will serve Michelle’s homemade cinnamon rolls, several different types of Christmas candies and homemade hot chocolate. 

Hillbilly Kettle Corn will have kettle corn, a sweet and salty variety of popcorn, and pork rinds available for purchase. The booth, run by owner Jim Ed Burks, was here for the 2019 Hootin an Hollarin festival. 

Set Free Ministries of Ava will serve popcorn and hot chocolate.

Amanda Forrest will serve cappuccino and assorted Christmas items.

Gainesville senior class will serve apple cider and other beverage items.

 

Christmas shopping 

The Christmas Corner/Critter Corner of House of Angels (see ad page 2), a business just off the west side of the square, will be open during the Wonders of Christmas festival. The store features a wide variety of ornaments and other Christmas decor, animal gifts and decor and angel-themed items. 

Edge Vinyl Designs, a business on the south side of the square, will be open extended hours for shoppers during the Wonders of Christmas event. The store features a variety of screen-printed clothing items, furniture, Christmas decor and other home decor items. 

Molly’s Salon and Boutique (see ad on page 3), on the west side of the square, will be open extended hours for shoppers during Wonders of Christmas. The boutique features stylish clothing and accessory options for women and children, jewelry, Candleberry Co. candles, Just Bloom Boutique shirts and a wide variety of salon hair products for purchase. The shop will also have complimentary refreshments for shoppers. 

Tin Bucket Junkin’ will have a variety of vintage items, farmhouse signs and other decor available for purchase. Owners Mary Hogan and daughter Jennifer Dryer say they have some extra-special vintage Christmas items, vintage country items, enamelware and new hand-sewn Christmas items to display. 

Country Angel Candle Co. and Mauve Boutique - Gainesville resident Brandy Crouse will have a booth featuring her homemade wood-wick paraffin blended candles and wax melts. A variety of gift baskets will also be available for purchase with items including candles, wax melts, coffee, tea, candies and more. Crouse’s booth will also feature clothing and gift items from Danielle Murphy’s Mauve Boutique. 

Shannon’s Crafty Corner - Gainesville resident Shannon Pool will have custom T-shirts, some home decor, ornaments and Christmas decor at her booth.

Four Siostras (see above) will feature clothing by Rose of Sharon Boutique, in addition to their edible Christmas treats. 

Jeannine James will have a variety of Christmas items and hair bows for purchase at her booth.

Jan Hillhouse will have homemade quilts in all sizes, lap quilts, kitchen towel sets, baby flannel recieving blankets, tutus and bows for sale at her booth.

Wild Whimsy - Meghan Rose will host a booth featuring her handmade jewelry and art. 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423