The holidays are nearly upon us, and a popular annual event stands ready to usher them in.
The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach will hold its much-anticipated Holiday Shoppes on Nov. 12-14. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the fundraiser, which once again will feature local vendors as well as those from across the United States.
As in past years there will be a variety of items for sale, including men’s and women’s apparel, homemade children’s toys, unique jewelry, home goods and holiday decorations.
At first, organizers weren’t sure whether they would be able to proceed with the Holiday Shoppes this time around. The ongoing pandemic had forced the cancellation of so many other events. Representatives of the Cultural Center reached out informally to vendors and guests alike to learn whether they would be willing to participate again this year.
The response convinced organizers to push ahead.
But to keep people safe, a number of changes have been implemented.
Whereas in previous years visitors could simply show up, the public is now being asked to go to ccpvb.org/events/upcoming-events, make the $5 donation to attend and then select a time.
“That way, we will have more control of the crowd,” explained Executive Director Donna Guzzo. “We will know how many are coming these two hours and the next two hours.”
For the first time in several years, the event will be held at the Cultural Center itself. The building holds up to 400 people, but access will be granted for smaller numbers only, so as to facilitate social distancing.
In addition, masks will be worn and places that are commonly touched by people – such as door handles – will be disinfected.
Upon entering, guests will have their temperatures taken and they will be asked the usual COVID-19 questions.
But coronavirus precautions are not the only new things at this year’s event.
There will be impromptu entertainment provided by local students, and food trucks for hungry visitors.
“We’ll have tables out,” said Guzzo. “They won’t have to leave for lunch and then come back.”
In addition, Divine Spirits, a mobile bartending service from Jacksonville, will bring its Unbridled Bar – a vintage horse-trailer-turned-bar to serve drinks, including a signature beverage created for the event.
Vendors will be stationed both in the courtyard and inside the center. In the main gallery, visitors will find the Cultural Center’s own booth. As in the past, the booth will feature homemade items from the member artists that are sold in the center’s Market space. But there will be more this year, arranged to provide “a wow factor,” according to Guzzo.
Longtime donor Hilah Autrey traveled to Atlanta and secured some special holiday items to be featured at the center’s booth. Volunteer Sharon Warner, who maintains The Market, is working with Autrey to create this expanded “shoppe.”
A special balloon display will be provided for the event by Anette Saalman, who operates Sparkle Balloons by Anette.
A preview reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. In the past this event was for Cultural Center members and donors only, but due to the pandemic it is being opened up for anyone who may be at high risk and wants to visit the Shoppes when there are fewer people present. Cost to attend the reception is $35.
Tickets for the reception are at ccpvb.org/events/upcoming-events. Those attending must RSVP by Nov. 6 to Gina Fiore at gfiore@ccpvb.org or by calling 904-280-0614 extension 1201.
Sponsors of The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach Holiday Shoppes are: Publix Super Markets Charities, La Macaron French Pastries and Claude Nolan Cadillac.
