Mistletoe Market draws thousands
Large numbers of shoppers crowded into the Belle of Baton Rouge’s Atrium during the 11th annual Mistletoe Market on Saturday, suggesting that Baton Rouge’s upcoming Christmas shopping season might be a busy one if the trend continues.
Marketgoers visited 110 booths and tables selling locally produced art and craft items as well as fresh food, while also purchasing Christmas gifts of commercially produced items such as purses, clothing, cosmetics and jewelry.
Anne Ogea and Renee Crousillac started the Mistletoe Market 10 years ago in their church, The Chapel on Campus, as a way for stay-at-home moms in their Bible study group to sell some homemade goods, the women said Saturday. Since then it has exploded in popularity, they said, and has been held in the Atrium the past five years.
“We have been so blessed,” Crousillac said. “We had over 5,000 shoppers last year and it looks like we’ll have at least that many again this year.”
The event, which continues Sunday, charges $3 per person at the gate and the women donate 15 percent of their receipts to four local charities for children. Last year, they raised more than $4,000.
“We hope to top that this year,” Ogea said.
“We’re very grateful to God that we are able to be a launching pad for our vendors. There are some people here who have careers that started with us years ago.”
One of those vendors hoping to get a big launch with his first table was Dennis Leger, owner of Cajun Flavors, an “affordable catering service.” Leger cooks a variety of Cajun and Creole foods, freezes them and delivers them free to area businesses and meetings.
“I heard good things about this so I decided to try it. It’s good,” he said about the turnout at his table where a dozen people were lined up to try some free samples.
“This is delicious!” said Beth Wilson, of Prairieville, who said she has shopped at Mistletoe Market for several years. “The merchants here are reasonable and economical.”
Donna Duplantis, of Berwick, who was shopping with Wilson, also said she liked the Cajun Flavors sample. “It is very well seasoned,” she said.
Rebecca Graham and her daughter, Madison Guitreau, 13, were both carrying bags full of gifts.
“This is wonderful — you can find just about anything,” Graham said.
The two were visiting a table hosted by Operation 20-20, one of the charities the gate funds are helping.
Operation 20-20 distributes plastic, focus-adjustable eyeglasses to children in Third World countries.
“We gave out 600 pairs in Haiti in August,” said Kirby Pearson, youth pastor at Victory Harvest Church. “We plan to go to Ghana in March.”
As Ben Workman adjusted a pair of glasses for Madison Guitreau, the teen smiled as a person across the room came into focus. “It’s really cool how they can change prescriptions,” she said.
Graham purchased a ministry T-shirt to help Operation 20-20’s cause.
Around the corner, artist Maylia G. Trahan was ringing up the sale of one of her “Restore the Art” paintings to Karen Beniot, of Erwinville. Trahan said this was the second year selling her art at Mistletoe Market and Beniot said it was her first visit as a shopper.
Trahan’s paintings are “redemptive art,” she said, because she often paints them during Sunday morning worship services at the Healing Place’s Dream Center in north Baton Rouge. Her works often feature a cross or a page torn from an old Bible lacquered over with varying colors and textures.
“It’s very unique and interesting,” Beniot said about the painting she purchased. “It’s a Christmas present. I got it primarily for the art but the page from the book of Joel is lagniappe,” she said with a smile.
Trahan was also happy with the sale as well as with the turnout. “We’ve been very busy,” she said. “I think I might even sell out.”
Mistletoe Market continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Parking is free at the Belle of Baton Rouge. Children and strollers are welcome.
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