Lubbock residents braved the cold weather this weekend for Holiday Happening 2013 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.
Megan Graham, publicity chair of the Junior League of Lubbock, said Holiday Happening is the signature fundraiser for the Junior League of Lubbock.
Inside of Holiday Happenings at the Civic Center.
“The Junior League is a group of women who volunteer, give back to the community – we’ve been here for 60 years in Lubbock,” Graham said. “And so Holiday Happenings has been our signature fundraiser for 34 years.“
She said some of their programs benefited from this event includes Food to Kids, which provides weekend meals for children to take home to ensure they’re healthy enough to learn during the week. Another program they benefit is Kids in the kitchen where they teach children how to grocery shop. Graham said they also help with Spark, which is a leadership program for middle school aged girls.
“So every penny that people raise here, you know, paying for booths or come into events goes right into Lubbock community,” Graham said.
Despite the cold weather, she said was not surprised residents stepped out to come to Holiday Happening.
“First of all, I think it’s the shopping,” Graham said. “We have over a hundred vendors from all across the country, so there are a lot of things here that you can’t just get in Lubbock. I think that’s it, it’s a unique birthday, Christmas – gifts in general.”
Local business owner, Ronda Hoes of Painting with a Twist, said this year’s event was hurt by the weather conditions.
However, she said, weather doesn’t stop people from shopping.
“The weather doesn’t help,” Hoes said laughing. “I think the weather has hurt us, but I mean people are still going to get out and shop. This is just a part of getting in the festive mood. Getting people thinking about gifts, and holidays, and stuff.”
She said the Holiday Happening, was just that – a happening.
“It’s like a mall; its one-stop shop,” Hoes said. “Lots of different vendors, and different things to do. “
Belinda Burnett, a Lubbock resident, agrees with Hoes.
Inside of Holiday Happenings at the Civic Center.
The Holiday Happening is a place that prepares her family for the holidays and in the holiday spirit, she said.
“I love it because we can just spend the day here – and we can eat and have everything we need,” Burnett said.
The Holiday Happening isn’t just a place to do all of ones Christmas shopping, for Burnett, it’s a mother-daughter tradition and a good place to bring the family.
“It’s good for the community,” she said. “It’s good for, I don’t know, just to find gifts and just different things. And it’s good to spend time with family and friends.”
Holiday Happening happens every year the week before Thanksgiving.
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