Foodraiser changes format, moves to Marion to join weekend holiday events

By DAN KEGLEY/Staff

Project Crossroads’ Foodraiser 2009 on Saturday is adding a cooperative option to the competitive sculpting using packages of donated cans and packages of non-perishable foods. The event is also moving from Chilhowie to Marion to be part of holiday events planned there for the weekend.
Organizer Linda Stransky said while organizations can build individual sculptures reflecting the “Disney” theme using collected non-perishable food packages, a second option will let contributors and their organizations join together to see how large a castle they can build.
“This event is all about collecting food for the food pantries,” said Stransky, who said the Foodraiser will be held in a tent near the Farmer's Market in Marion.
Builders can begin at 8 a.m., and since the work will be done under a tent, the public can observe throughout the process, and not just after a set opening time. The public is also encouraged to contribute food to the big project, Stransky said.
Food pantries around the county are feeling increased pressure to meet the needs of families affected more deeply and in greater numbers in the current recession. Those hardships are perhaps most keenly felt at the holidays, which is why the Food Raiser “will always be the Saturday before Thanksgiving,” Stransky said. “We want to help stock the food pantries as the holidays and winter time approach.”
For more information about Food Raiser 2009, contact Stransky at 781-8020.
The event will join Marion’s first-ever Christmas Market, Nov. 20 through 22 at the Marion Farmers Market Pavilion. “Marion Downtown and the German Club of Marion are hosting locally made Christmas crafts, goodies, and more all weekend long, leading up to the annual Christmas Parade Sunday afternoon Nov. 22nd at 3,” said Marion spokesman Ken Heath.
Dozens of local businesses, crafters and vendors will be on hand all weekend, Heath said. Admission is free. Market hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Friday night will also feature themed holiday music and a special food and beverage area in the courtyard of the Grand Ballroom adjacent to the Farmers Market, Heath said.
Pictures with Santa will be made in the old Parks Belk building on Main Street Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.
Cash prizes will be awarded local organizations participating in the Christmas tree contest. Trees will be on display in the Parks Belk building for the duration of the market. Set up will be on Saturday, Nov. 14, noon to 4 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 18 and 19, 3 to 7 p.m. The Smyth County Historical Society and the German Club will provide docents and displays for the Parks Belk building.

dkegley@wythenews.com