High Springs Woman’s Club Kicks off Holiday Season

Jessica Huff greets guests as they browse her booth of crafts.  Huff participated in the High Springs Woman's Club Holiday Expo and Bake Sale this past weekend. (Photo special to Alachua County Today)

HIGH SPRINGS – Sweets, treats and gifts were the focus of the GFWC High Springs New Century Woman's Club this past weekend. Women's Club doors were flung open to invite shoppers to stop in, shop the great items vendors displayed and pick up lunch. Tantalizing homemade sweets were also available for visitors to choose from.

The club’s Holiday Expo and Bake Sale and has been held for the past six years at this time of year to offer arts, crafts and food treats to shoppers.

The weather was perfect for strolling this year and tents were set up outside for those folks who only wanted a quick look. Several additional vendors and bake sale items could be found inside.

“We had beautiful weather,” said Women's Club District 5 Director Vickie Cox. “The expectation was to have a good time and there were great people to work with indoors and outdoors,” she said.

The Club’s mission is to improve the community through involvement in educational, literary, scientific and charitable endeavors, according the club's website. Part of the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs, GFWC was formed by 12 women in 1899. Now, more than 80 women are members and participate in festivities and events hosted by the club.

“I was making Frito pies and hot dogs,” Cox said. “People actually come back and ask for the Frito pies.”

These hearty pies, made with the Frito chips in a bowl with beef or chili, are prepared by members. In addition, chili dogs, pumpkin treats, brownies, cookies and a variety of other delectable desserts were available.

“All of our members contribute,” Cox said. “We had outside vendors as well.”

A total of 22 vendors participated in this year's event. They ranged from photographers and artists selling their artwork to jewelry makers and vendors offering Vera Bradley designer bags.

“My favorite part of this event is having this great opportunity to shop,” said Carole Tate, President of the High Springs Woman’s Club.

“I liked shopping through all the different vendors,” said Tate. “It was a great chance to do some early Christmas shopping.”

The next big events club members are looking forward to will be the High Springs Farmer’s Market in downtown High Springs from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3 and their participation in the Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Twilight Christmas Parade in downtown High Springs on Dec. 10.

Tate said it takes a lot of effort from all the members to pull through in making the event a success.

“It is a lot of work for members of the club, but we love to see people in the community come out and support our projects,” said Tate. “We would like to thank the vendors and the community for their support.”

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