Kid's Shopping Night was a success

WAITSBURG-The annual Kid's Shopping Night was held December 11 at the Waitsburg Elementary multipurpose room. The shopping night is hosted by the American Auxiliary. Rose Englebright, who has been coordinating the shopping night for more than 15 years, was very pleased with the turnout and how the evening went.

"There were kids really shopping this year," Englebright said. "You could watch them look at one table, check the prices and talk to the vendor. They would go elsewhere, look for a few minutes, and then come back and buy the first item." The parent-free shopping night gives youngsters a chance to buy affordable Christmas gifts for family members with their own money, giving them the full shopping experience.

There were seven vendors to choose from this year, and the gifts ranged from kitchen gadgets to handmade jewelry. Games, toys, Christmas decorations, magnets, and other small items were available for purchase, as well.

The shoppers even have the opportunity to have their gifts wrapped, thanks to volunteers from the Waitsburg High School Leo's Club, the Waitsburg FFA, and Home Grown Go Wild 4-H members. The kids loved getting to help wrap up their purchases and put tags and bows on them, all excited to go home and sneak them under the tree.

Kids events are always appreciated in Waitsburg, and the shopping night is a unique part of Waitsburg's Christmas season. Any event that makes the smallest kids feel important, lets them have fun, and quietly teaches important life skills is one worth repeating year after year. After seeing all the neat things vendors were offering, I know there are going to be some pretty happy gift-recipients (and giddy kids) on Christmas morning!