Odessa hosts Christmas Fest

Editor's Note: Odessa Junior Livestock 4-H members Jamie Willahan and Angela Douglas, both fourth-graders, contributed the information, interviews and photos for this article.

Odessa - Christmas Fest is an annual event hosted by the Odessa Junior Livestock 4-H Club. This event features local talent performing Christmas music on stage, lots of Christmas shopping with area vendors selling homemade items as well as other goods and products.

There is the Tree of Sharing to provide local families in need with Christmas gifts, which is also supported by the annual EMT raffle. The 4-H club also sells hamburgers throughout the day.

Many vendors filled the room at Fest, including:

• Grannie Bar Bar Cookies and Treats

Grannie Bar Bar's daughter, Joy Praetorius said her mom has been baking delicious treats for over 50 years. They started in the late 1970's. "We look forward to Christmas Fest every year and appreciate all the business," Praetorius said. "Thank you very much! Grannie Bar Bar (Barb Walter) is 86 and still baking."

• Wydow's Web of Wonders

Scarlett has been selling 3D printed creations since 2021. She likes toys, spiders and video games, so she wanted to combine her interests into toys, jewelry and more.

• PTO Booth

The Odessa Parent Teacher Organization had a booth run by volunteers selling fresh wreaths, Tiger Pride T-shirts and slices of pie from pies donated by parents and community members. The PTO is raising money to support various school events, fund the free Tiger Pride t shirts they provide every District student and staff member each school year and offer new playground equipment at the school.

• Odessa EMT Club

Gina and Joe Schlomer were behind the EMT Club Raffle booth, where toys and sports equipment were being raffled off to support the Tree of Sharing. This booth has been going for several years and community members look forward to buying raffle tickets to take a chance at winning the fun items while also supporting a worthy cause.

• Audrey Beck's Doll Clothes, Tea Towels and other hand made items

• The Fire Dept. was at Christmas Fest giving away smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. "We feel that everyone should have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes," District No. 3 Rural Chief Roger Sebesta said.

• PaperPie with Bonnie Campbell

Campbell has been selling these books for several years and really enjoys it.

• Knotty by Nature

Jade with her hand made crocheted animals, hair scrunchies and more. She started her business in Oct. 2022 and is really enjoying sharing her creations with others.

• Deniston Farm Designs

Elizabeth had custom hats, beanies, stockings and jewelry with an agricultural/farm theme.

• Running With Coyotes

Sally was selling her western apparel designed for women who love the ranching, farming, and rural lifestyle.

• K Dragon Creations

Nicholas started knitting 3 years ago and has been hand creating knitted beanies, animals, Pokemon characters and painted ceramics since 2020.

• Forever Treats

Amy and Thad Striffler were selling freeze-dried candy. They tried freeze-dried Skittles candies and liked them, so they bought a machine and have been freeze-drying their own candy since. Their treats are usually available at Odessa Hardware.

• Sports Cards and More

Steve had a booth selling sports cards and memorabilia. He said he had met lots of friendly people and enjoyed good food and had a great day.

• Tumbleweed Gallery

Don and Arla Deycous brought their handmade sterling silver jewelry and Agate paintings to Christmas Fest. They create jewelry and paintings on rocks.

• Tipsy Gypsy Goods

Michelle started her business in 2020 making and selling stained glass creations. She had a variety of handmade glass designs, ornaments and more.

• Hopeful Beauty

Victoria Iverson- Sengence- She started out trying the product (make-up) and then began selling it in 2019.

• Sweet-Things

Tammy was selling her handmade earrings and necklaces. She started her business in April 2023.

• Earl & Mona

Jena Meise started her hot chocolate bomb business in 2019. She named her business after her grandparents.

• Laura's Sage Country Quilts

Laura started her business designing quilts in 1994 after taking her father's advice for her to do so.

• Tree of Sharing

Put together to help local families in need during the Christmas season. The EMT Club raffle raised money for the Tree of Sharing.

• Vikki Pichon - Makes hand-made wreaths, hats blankets, and Christmas decor.

• Rural Road Designs

Kaylene was selling custom hat, shirts and cups. She had humorous designs on some of her products and many products that could be personalized and made to order.

• Vivianne -Handmade Christmas and greeting cards

• Tupperware -Tina has been selling Tupperware since 2015.

• Kat Stubbs had hand painted bone creations.

• Odessa FFA was selling poinsettias as a fundraiser.