Anyone needing a dose of Christmas spirit could have easily discovered it last Saturday in the heart of McKenzie.  The school’s Quarterback Club sponsored its annual Holiday Market with close to 30 vendors filling the gym and space outside with their wares.

Everything from intricately embroidered quilts and whimsical holiday décor to homemade chow-chow and the latest children’s and women’s fashions could be found at the market. Greenville artist and artisan Mary Croley, a familiar face at local festivals, had a large display of her original artwork along with affordable miniatures of country scenes and a selection of note cards.

“People seem to love the miniatures,” Croley said. “It’s artwork that you can easily find a spot to display in your home or office.”

The event offered more than just a wide array of gift items to browse and buy. Tempting scents wafted from the grill, with homemade burgers and more available for hungry attendees.  Youngsters enjoyed visiting the toy booth, getting their faces painted and bouncing, climbing and sliding in and on the three inflatables set up outside for their entertainment.

“I brought my son along to help, but I think I lost him to the inflatables,” joked vendor April Lowery of Greenville.

Organizers are pleased with the outcome of this second annual holiday fundraiser.

“We had very successful event,” said Toni Norris. “We had over 200 people who came through our market on Saturday and we raised almost $2,000 from the event.”

The holiday market was a true collaboration, said Norris.

“We could not have done it without the help we had from  AmeriCorps volunteers and the students from JROTC and JAG.”