The Webster Progress-Times

Downtown Eupora will be buzzing with activity Friday and Saturday during the Webster County Christmas Market.

This year's theme, "Christmas in the Southland," will be reflected in decoration, hospitality and events.

The market, which will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4, will feature at least 20 Mississippi artists, and retail and homemade goods vendors in an indoor marketplace. These vendors are scheduled to take part:

€ Barbara Burell: fashion goods;

€ Dylan Kargess: pottery;

€ Carol Lynn Designs: silk pillows and accessories, and air purifiers;

€ Kids Kollection: children's clothing and gifts;

€ Beth Sanderson Pottery: pottery;

€ Ooodles: gift baskets;

€ Summer Liddell: oil paintings, homemade bread and jelly;

€ Native Creations: Native American-made items;

€ Pinion Pottery: pottery;

€ Sweet Potato Treats: bakery;

€ Old Choctaw County Chapter DAR: Country Store, which will be set up in the Eupora Depot. The store will have a wide variety of merchandise and food items, including handmade Christmas ornaments, patchwork pillows, baskets, gift items, homemade pickles, barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, cakes and other baked items.

€ Bloomin' Beautiful of Mississippi: container plants, in the old Childs Grocery building;

€ Gina's Gems: fashion goods;

€ Southern Belle Clothing: T-shirts and art;

€ Ruth Logan: cotton candy;

€ Angela Clanton: artwork.

€ Bruce Walters: decorative plants;

€ Rotary Club: poinsettias, in the old Childs Grocery building;

€ Walthall Baptist Church: Christmas décor;

€ Susan Walker: handmade afghans.

A Children's Village will be provided for children to enjoy holiday activities and crafts while market-goers shop, and they can take horse-drawn carriage tours of Eupora's historic residential district.

Other activities will include the Miss Merry Christmas Pageant at 6 p.m. Friday in Eupora High School's Latham Auditorium.

Following the Christmas tree lighting in the Depot Park, the Eupora Christmas Parade sponsored by the Rotary Club is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Saturday. Harold Whitaker, administrator of North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora, will serve as grand marshal. The EHS Band Boosters will be selling concessions during the parade.

The Webster County Development Council's Community Development Committee is sponsor of the market. All proceeds will go to Eupora Arts Inc. and the Webster County Mass Choir. Contact Stephanie Stewart, market director, at 258-6405 for more information.

Eupora Arts' production of "The Nutcracker" that was scheduled for this weekend as part of the festivities has been rescheduled for next weekend. Showtimes are Dec. 11 at 11:30 a.m. and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. at the BLY Fine Arts Center on North Dunn Street downtown.

Tickets may be purchased at Pear Tree Corner, Hometown Video and Eupora Jewelry & Gifts.

Maben, Mathiston

Christmas festivities

Although not connected with the Christmas Market, various holiday festivities are scheduled for tonight and Saturday in Maben and Mathiston.

Maben's Christmas Parade will be today at 6:30 p.m. The parade was rescheduled from Tuesday night because of rain. The theme is "A Classic Christmas in Maben."

Holiday treats and more will be featured at the Mathiston United Methodist Church on Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon in the church fellowship hall.

The Mathiston UMC is located in downtown Mathiston on Highway 15. In addition to holiday baked goods, crafts and white elephant items will be available. The Christmas sale is sponsored by the Mathiston United Methodist Women.

Mathiston will have its annual Christmas parade Saturday at 6 p.m. The theme is "Christmas Night of Lights."

Parade units will report to the Mathiston Ball Park between 4:30-5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Vicki Sheffield at 263-4974 or 456-9432, or the Mathiston City Hall at 263-4898.