A Christmas ornament decorating contest is adding to this year’s holiday cheer in the town of Halifax.
Children wishing to participate in the contest may pick up an ornament at Lotions, Potions, & More at 11 S. Main St. or the Halifax Market Place at 209 S. Main St. and either decorate it on site or take it home and decorate it. After the ornaments are judged, they will be hung on the Halifax community Christmas tree prior to the tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 27.
“I think it gives more community spirit and draws the community together, having things made by the community hanging on the Christmas tree,” said Mary Young, owner of Lotions, Potions, & More. “When ornaments decorated by community members’ children are hanging on the tree for everyone to see and enjoy, then it’s more than just turning on the lights on the tree. It makes it more exciting for the kids, too.”
The ornaments will be judged in three age categories: 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12, and first, second and third-place prizes will be awarded in each age category. First-place winners will receive $50 in Halifax merchant gift certificates and other prizes, second place, $30, and third place, $20.
“The children can use sequins, glitter, whatever they want to decorate. They can be as creative as they want,” Young commented.
All ornaments must be turned in on or before Nov. 26. The child’s name, age and phone number must be on the back of the ornament.
The Christmas ornament decorating contest not only is designed to promote community spirit, but it is also the town merchants’ way of giving back to the community during the holiday season.
“It’s important for us to support our customers and those who patronize us,” Young remarked. “It lets them know they’re appreciated, too.”
Young encourages everyone to stop by her shop during the holiday open house prior to the tree lighting ceremony to look for unique Christmas gifts for their loved ones. Lotions, Potions, & More offers handmade jewelry, homemade beauty products and handcrafted wooden and macrame items.
The Christmas open house is slated for 1 to 6 p.m. Nov. 27, with the tree lighting ceremony to follow at 6 p.m. at the Halifax Market Place.
As a special treat for the children, the Grinch will make an appearance from 2 to 5 p.m. at Viny’s Italian Restaurant and the Halifax Market Place. Those attending the tree lighting ceremony can look forward to caroling and enjoying hot chocolate and snacks.
Children have plenty of opportunities to pick up an ornament for the contest. Lotions, Potions, & More is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The Halifax Market Place is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
Miranda Baines is a staff writer for The Gazette-Virginian. Contact her at mbaines@gazettevirginian.com.
