By STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD / Staff Writer

PELHAM – The holiday season is especially known for two things – shopping and giving. A Southern Christmas Bazaar, sponsored by the Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club, allows you to do both.

The Christmas Bazaar, which will be held Nov. 15-16 at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, has nearly 50 vendors signed up to sell arts and crafts ranging from handmade jewelry and woodworking to birdhouses, pottery, scarves, scented candles, clothing, ornaments, soap and more. All proceeds generated from ticket sales and vendor sign-ups will benefit local organizations addressing health, wellness and nutrition.

The event’s presenting sponsor, Shelby Baptist, will also set up a booth and provide information on a different health topic every hour as well as blood pressure and vein screenings and information about their doctors.

“As the only hospital in Shelby County, we are really excited to partner with the Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club for this event,” said Shelby Baptist director of business development April Weaver. “It is an opportunity for people to do their Christmas shopping locally, to keep their money locally and to benefit their local community.”

Also at the bazaar, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for free pictures beginning at 2 p.m. Nov. 16, and the rotary club will sell Georgia pecans for $11 per pound throughout the weekend. Those in attendance Nov. 16 will also have the opportunity to win a professionally decorated Christmas tree.

“It was a successful fundraising event last year, but we hope to have a greater level of success this year,” said Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club member Debbie Parrott.

The Christmas Bazaar will be open 2-8 p.m. Nov. 15 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 16.

Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children/students ages 7-18 and free for children ages 6 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the door and will be discounted $1 for anyone bringing a canned good to donate to Manna Ministries.

Tickets can also be bought in advance at Iberia Bank in Pelham, Renaissance Bank in Pelham and the Shelby Outpatient Diagnostic Center.

For information about joining the Alabaster-Pelham Rotary club, which meets on Thursdays at noon at the Shelby Physicians Center A, contact president Diana Ritz at dianeritz19@yahoo.com.