A Very Mery LOCAL Christmas - Tues, Dec 11

Have a Very Merry Local Christmas

Victory Acres wants you to have a very merry local Christmas this holiday season. You can do that by joining your hometown farmers from Victory Acres Farm to sip hot cider, shop a variety of locally made goods, and meet an area writer as well as local artists and crafters.  The event will be held on Tuesday, December 11, from 6pm to 9pm, at the Gray Barn, 168 S. Second Street, Upland.

“Many people appreciate giving and receiving gifts that have been crafted by folks from their own community.  Items like a locally blended tea or an autographed book not only make warm and thoughtful gifts, but they also reflect an investment in our community,” explains Jane Cramer, community liaison for Victory Acres.  “We hope our Have a Very Merry Local Christmas event makes it easier for people to find and share local goods.”

A few of the items that will be available include maple syrup, honey, coffee, baked goods, gourmet garlic, soaps, teas, candles, artwork, and eco-friendly crafts.  Local artists Bud Jamison and Karen Sonner will be displaying their paintings, and Marion-based author Ken Swan will be signing copies of his family-friendly book, Pigboy: The Legend of a Wildchild.  Victory Acres farm memberships are another unique gift opportunity that will be available at the event. Victory Acres Agricultural Coach, Leslie Gottschalk, will be on hand to answer questions about the 2013 growing season and assist guests who would like to sign up for fresh, certified naturally grown fruits and vegetables.

During the holiday rush, it is tempting to make gift choices based on what products are the cheapest and most efficiently purchased, but choosing to shop locally first is a gift that you can give to the whole community.  It directly benefits the neighbor whose goods you purchase, and it benefits the local economy when that neighbor then spends his income locally or is able to employ local workers.  A communIty that chooses to invest in small businesses also encourages local prosperity by promoting economic diversity, encouraging skilled trade and craft, rewarding innovation, and supporting business owners who are more likely to care for and invest in their community in return.  Locally-sourced gifts truly are the gifts that keep on giving!

Post from victoryacres.org