MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – There are still 44 days until Christmas and the countdown is already on in the port city.
The Junior League of Mobile kicked off its 28th Christmas Anniversary on Friday – Mobile’s biggest Christmas shopping event of the year.
There are around 100 different vendors at the event, but they all have one mission – to bring the holiday season to mobile and give back to the community.
“We have local dealers and national dealers, so there really is something for everyone. We have stuff for men, stuff for women, stuff for kids, we even have stuff for dogs,” said Junior League of Mobile President Amy Groves.
But it’s more than just a shopping spree — it’s a way of giving back.
“Having the dealers there themselves — it all helps support the communities of Mobile and Baldwin County,” Groves added.
There are several returning vendors, but also some new ones – like Wendy Moore, owner and founder of The Peaceful Porch Candle Company.
“We actually brought ‘Thankful,’ which is our Thanksgiving scent. It’s a beautiful pumpkin pie mix and then of course we have Christmas so we have Bonfire Nights, Boston fir, we have ‘Home for Christmas’ which is always a favorite,” Moore said.
Like many retailers, Moore has a deeper mission that goes beyond selling a product.
“All of our profits – 25 percent – go to families fighting cancer.”
Moore says the idea for her business came about after her husband was battling cancer. She says her community has embraced and supported her and her family throughout his illness, and now she also wants to give back to families battling cancer. 25% of their candle proceeds go to struggling families affected by cancer.
Meanwhile, guests are decked out in Santa hats, reindeer antlers, Christmas jumpers and more, and look forward to an early start to their Christmas shopping.
“We have a strategy – we go up and down the aisles on one side and into the other. Every year we look for children’s Christmas clothes and a new Christmas shirt or t-shirt,” said Lynn Jackson.
The opening day for the anniversary, which falls on Veterans Day, offers discounted admission to veterans.
And since the kids aren’t in school, Junior League keeps them busy with Santa visits and other Christmas activities so parents can get their groceries done.
“From 9 to 11 there is VIP shopping, that’s my favorite. There are cocktails and breakfast items – sponsored by Ellen Jay Cookies today so we have some really fun treats and then we have free entry from 11am too,” added Groves.
The Christmas Jubilee takes place from Friday to Sunday in the Mobile Convention Center. On Saturday the doors are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. VIP admission takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and is for guests aged 21 and over. These guests can sip cocktails and eat breakfast items.
All tickets can be purchased at the box office.
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