Cape Arrowhead, a non-profit, Poplar Bluff-based organization which offers programs to help those with disabilities, is gearing up for its inaugural Christmas Shopping Festival & Business Showcase.
The free-to-the-public event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 21 and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Black River Ballroom. It is located on the second floor of 502 Vine St., according to board member Randy Bailey.
“This is intended to showcase not just crafters, but wholesalers coming in to do retail,” Bailey said.
Examples of some of the types of things which will be available for sale, Bailey said, include jewelry, knitting and crochet products, goat’s milk soap and much more.
Currently, there are about 15 vendors registered to attend, though Bailey expects the final number to be around 30.
“We’ve got people coming from St. Louis, Springfield and other areas, plus local vendors,” Bailey said. “We’re reaching out a ways.”
Booth space still is available, he said. Booths can be rented in 12X12-foot or 15X15-foot sizes and cost $60 and $85, respectively.
Those interested in a booth to sell their wares, Bailey said, can call the Cape Arrowhead office at 573-778-1210.
Currently, a crowd of nearly 3,000 is expected to attend.
During the event, Bailey said, Cape Arrowhead will be serving chili for a small cost, while Patsy’s Sweets will offer cakes and other snacks.
“Hopefully the public will realize they’ll have a great chance to see some unique vendors,” Bailey added.
Money raised from the event will help fund Cape Arrowhead’s programs, Bailey said.
“Cape Arrowhead works with the disabled,” Bailey noted, “and one of the groups we work with extensively is disabled veterans.”
The organization operates a retreat facility, called Wolf Run, where it offers such amenities as equine therapy and fishing to those in need.
The equine therapy, Bailey said, is freeing to those who have limited or no movement abilities, while teaching participants they also can be providers and caregivers.
“The philosophy of Cape Arrowhead is that utilizing fishing as a way of reducing the anxiety of PTSD is effective,” Bailey said, “and we recognize the calming effect it gives us.”
During the festival, Bailey said, a weekend retreat to Wolf Run will be raffled off.
If the event fills up, Bailey said, the organization expects to make about $1,000 to support its programs.
“We intend to do this every year,” he said. “Once the word gets out, we’ll be filled up.”