Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
STAFF WRITER
Two upcoming events will herald the holiday season while preparing community members for Christmas.
The First United Methodist Church will be holding its 63rd annual turkey dinner 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 5 -7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3, according to coordinator Shelly Atwood.
Proceeds from the dinner, which will cost $8 for adults and $4 for children under 10, will help fund missions in the community and internationally, Atwood said.
“We help the Adopt-a-Cop in Portales. We also help the (Portales) schools buy school supplies and stuff for the kids if they need school supplies. We do some national and international missions as well,” she said.
The church will also hold a bazaar during the dinner, selling hand crafted items that come from members of the church.
“Some of the ladies crochet different items. They’ll make ornaments, Christmas ornaments. Previously we’ve had angels made out of hymnals; I know a few years ago, one of the men in the church made a birdhouse,” said Atwood.
She said that the event acts both as a social event and a way to kick off the holiday season.
“It’s funny; you’ll see people that you won’t see all year long, that you always see at the turkey dinner,” she said.
Atwood said the dinner served more than 2,500 people last year, and she hopes to serve at least as many this year.
Later in November, residents will have another chance to shop for unique Christmas gifts.
Hydration Station will be holding a holiday craft bazaar 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on Nov. 19 with a focus on hand crafted items from local vendors.
According to Hydration Station owner Mandi Park, items available at the bazaar will include locally made soap, wooden signs, refinished furniture, fudge, paintings, baked goods, gift baskets, Christmas ornaments and candied popcorn. A photographer will also be on site to take pictures of children with Santa Claus.
All money made from the bazaar will go directly to the vendor, she said.
“The people who are selling their crafts, they make the money. It’s basically to get out the information about people who do handmade items. That money goes to them. There’s only a vendor fee of $10, and that is not really for me to make money, but for me to ensure that it’s gonna be full,” said Park, adding that there is only one vendor booth left, which must be reserved by Nov. 1.
According to Park, the bazaar is important for the community because “it gives people a chance to buy handmade items before the frantic Christmas shopping starts. When you buy a gift that’s handmade, it’s for somebody you’ve put some thought into. It’s more personal.”
Interested vendors can contact Hydration Station at 575-226-3899.
