The public is invited to enjoy a quilt show and do some holiday shopping this weekend during Jacksonville's Christmas on Commerce & Festival of Quilts.
Christmas on Commerce is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on Commerce Street, between Bolton and Main streets. A quilt show, Festival of Quilts -2013, will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday inside the Norman Activity Center, 526 E. Commerce St.
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce project coordinator Kayla Stephenson said various downtown businesses, along with more than 30 vendors, are slated to showcase their merchandise on Saturday.
Pictures with Santa also will be available Saturday at Serendipity Consignments, 103 E. Commerce St.
Attendees can use their own camera to take the pictures, and donations for student scholarships will be accepted, Ms. Stephenson said. Additionally, there will be live music for part of Saturday morning.
"We're going to see how it goes. It's just a way for everyone to shop locally in Jacksonville before Christmas," Ms. Stephenson said.
"Our goal was to promote our downtown businesses and just have people shopping local in Jacksonville (and) supporting the community," she added.
As far as the quilt show, festival director Anita Johnston, owner of Heart & Home Quilt Shop, said nearly 130 quilts have come in for the show. Most of them were made in the last three or four years, and some have vintage panels, she said.
Ms. Johnston said the show will be judged, and prizes and ribbons will be awarded.
Bed turnings also are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday as well as 2 p.m. on Sunday.
During a bed turning, a bed is layered with quilts, and each is held up for people to view, Ms. Johnston said.
Overall, she said, a great crowd is expected for Christmas on Commerce, and she hopes for a wonderful turnout at the quilt show throughout the weekend.
Admission to the quilt show is $5 per person and $3 per person for people age 55 and older and children under 10 years old. There also is a three day pass for $10, according to a news release.
For more information, visit the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce website at www.jacksonvilletexas.com or call the chamber at 903-586-2217. More information about the quilt show also is available at www.heartandhomequiltshop.com.