Get Out!: Christmas shopping opportunities abound locally this weekend
As the weekend approaches, there are plenty of things to do in Jackson and rural West Tennessee this weekend.
Here’s a rundown of the highlights:
Friday
USJ Holiday Mart: This is the biggest holiday shopping event in West Tennessee as hundreds of vendors will be present selling apparel, home decor, food, art, etc. at the Carl Perkins Civic Center (400 South Highland Avenue in Downtown Jackson). It has potential with its product diversity to be a one-stop shop for an entire Christmas list. It’s open at 9 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. It closes at 5 p.m. all three days.
Winter Wonderland Weekend Open House: Walk through Blue Bank’s Virginia Dare trail & butterfly garden where you will see a million Christmas lights. Have s’mores by the fire & enjoy live Christmas music. Santa will visit the open house every weekend in December. It’s at the Blue Bank Resort (813 Lake Drive in Hornbeak) from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday each weekend during the Christmas season.
West Tennessee Farm Toy Show: The 31st annual event will happen at Jackson Fairgrounds (800 South Highland Avenue in Downtown Jackson) from 5-8:30 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $5 with children 8 and under free of admission charge. The show features vintage farm toys, memorabilia and new release farm toys from vendors from six states. For more information, call Terry Rogier at (731) 695-6623 or Darryl Cox at (731) 225-2135 or e-mail darryl2520@gmail.com.
One Night of Amazing Voices: The Ned (314 East Main Street in Downtown Jackson) will be the site of a concert featuring Makenzie Thomas, who was a contestant on the television show, The Voice, whose coach was nationally-known artist Jennifer Hudson. The concert will also feature Bolivar-based artist JL and Memphis’ Bird William and Band. Tickets are $35 and are available at Eventbrite.com. For more information, e-mail mynavigtor@yahoo.com or call 817-825-7092.
Saturday
Cars and Coffee toy drive: Join 731 Cars and Coffee for their November Cars and Coffee plus a toy drive with all proceeds going to the Carl Perkins Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. The show is from 8 a.m. until noon in the parking lot of Kohl’s at 1131 Vann Drive in North Jackson.
Holiday Art Market: Shop unique gifts from local artists and crafters at ComeUnity Cafe (218 East Main Street in Downtown Jackson) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Jackson Holiday Vendor Market Extravaganza: Join the Tennessee Shoppers Market for a day of holiday of shopping with local vendors, giveaways, holiday music, pictures with Santa, and more at Old Hickory Mall (2021 Highland Avenue in Jackson) from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Star Gazing at The Mounds: Join the Pinson Mounds park staff and the Memphis Astronomical Society (MAS) at the museum (460 Ozier Road in Pinson) from 6-8 p.m. to begin a night sky journey. The program will begin indoors with a presentation by the MAS, after which we will caravan to the star gazing field. Register online at the Mounds’ website or call/visit the office park office (731-988-5614). Registration is $5 per person. Be sure to bring warm clothing and binoculars.
Comedy for a Cause: Elks Lodge 192 (28 Executive Drive in Jackson) is bringing standup comedy back to Jackson with a show featuring comedians Clay Foley, James Draper and Trey Eilers. Tickets for the dinner and show are $20 with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Alzheimer’s awareness.
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Get Out!: Christmas shopping opportunities abound locally this weekend
