Christmas and all of the fun preparation that comes with it is quickly approaching. The 33rd annual Mistletoe Fair, hosted by the Junior League of Texarkana, will take place at the Four States Fairgrounds Arena. The event kicks off with the Fireside Fancy Preview Party on Thursday, November 15, and runs through Sunday, November 18. Mark your calendars, and save the dates for the Four States area’s biggest holiday event!

For more than 90 years, the Junior League of Texarkana has been a fixture in the community and the Greater Texarkana area. The League is privileged to give back to the community in many ways through the funds raised at Mistletoe Fair. During the 2017-2018 year, the Junior League of Texarkana’s Teacher Take Wing program awarded 33 grants to local teachers in the Texarkana area, totaling almost $14,000. The League has many community projects that support women and children, including Shoes for the Soul/Clothes for a Cause, Spring into Reading, Packs for a Purpose, Open Hearts Food Pantry, and the Community Assistance Fund. Last year alone, these projects gave back almost $50,000 to the local area and countless volunteer hours.

In addition to giving back, the Junior League of Texarkana is proud of their mission of developing the potential of women in the community to be leaders and outstanding volunteers. The League provides training and education to numerous members throughout the year. This last year, the Junior League of Texarkana spent close to $17,000 on training and education for its members.

The Junior League of Texarkana fulfills its mission with the generous help from individuals and sponsors in the community as part of Mistletoe Fair. General admission tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door, and weekend passes will be $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

The Fireside Fancy Preview Party will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 15. Preview Party tickets are $50 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Silver Star Smokehouse & Saloon, wine sponsored by Girls Gone Wine, and other adult beverages. This year’s entertainment will feature The Moss Brothers Band and will include a silent auction and casino area. The Down Home Brunch will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 16. Brunch will be catered by Chef on the Run Jeff Loving, and entertainment will be provided by the 4-States Fusion Chorus. Guests will, also, enjoy a fashion show! Fun games and fantastic prizes will also be up for grabs. There will be an exclusive hour of private shopping which will include some merchant specials and discounts from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Brunch tickets are $40 and selling fast!

Family Night will be hosted on Friday, November 16. Children can enjoy Story Time with Mrs. Claus at 5:30 p.m. and Santa’s arrival at 6:30 p.m. He will be coming straight from reindeer duties on his horse-drawn wagon so you don’t want to miss this! To review Children’s Events or to purchase tickets for all of the above- mentioned events, please visit www.jltexarkana.org. The weekend will be filled with entertainment provided by local schools, music groups, and dance programs from various dance studios.

Sunday, November 18, the League will host its second annual Strut the Mutt Adoption Pageant. The Junior League of Texarkana is coordinating with local animal shelters to present a holiday pageant showcasing area mutts looking for their forever home. Our desire is to see them all make it home for the holidays!

Put on your boots and jeans, come out to the Four States Fairgrounds, and support the Junior League of Texarkana! With your help, the League will continue to give back to the community in order to make a better TEXARKANA, USA!

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A Down Home Christmas