Chesapeake — “A shopping we will go, a shopping we will go
Ho-ho, the merry-oh, the Conference Center we will go.
We’ll browse through stalls and buy some gifts
An’ we’ll see Santa, so don’t be slow.”
On Nov. 23 the holiday shopping season traditionally kicks off in Chesapeake.
Time for the annual Chesapeake Holiday Craft Show presented by the Chesapeake Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism at the Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Drive, off Greenbrier Parkway.
With free admission, the show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 23 and from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Nov. 24. Concessions will be available for purchase.
Forget about Amazon, fancy malls and big box chains, this yearly Christmas shopping extravaganza in Chesapeake will feature all manner of unique and original handmade, homemade and handcrafted gifts, decorations, wreaths, country crafts, toys, furniture, doll clothes, jewelry, art and more created by crafts and artisans from across the city, region, state and beyond.
And no stuff from kits here, either. All participants will offer handmade and handcrafted original items for show and sale screened by department officials.
And while mom and dad browse, the kiddies will have fun at the event’s Winter Wonderland where they will participate in make-and-take holiday craft activities. The wonderland will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Nov. 23 and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 24.
And what’s a Christmas season gathering without Mr. Claus? Santa will pay the show a visit from noon until 3 p.m. each day to meet and greet the youngsters and listen to their gift wishes. Parents, be sure to bring your smartphone, camcorder or camera. Chessie, the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department’s mascot, will also be there to have fun with the young ones.
All ages will have fun with the Kids Run Trains model railroading exhibit. The Chesapeake-based organization’s mission is “to grow the hobby of model railroading by spreading the joys and excitement of model trains to today’s children," its Facebook page said. "Through educational outreach in local schools, public displays and partnership with nationwide clubs, KRT is determined to introduce children to model railroading in safe, fun and interactive environments.” Kids Run Trains routinely sets up interactive model train displays at libraries, schools, and Boy and Girl Scout groups and participates with the Southeastern Elementary School’s enrichment program.
Call 382-6411 for more details.
WITH LEE IN NORFOLK
Although Robert E. Lee led the Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War, and his chief aide-de-camp was Norfolk native Walter Herron Taylor, did the general ever visit Norfolk?
Lee visited Norfolk in 1870, the same year as his death, according to article “The Secret Life of Walter Taylor” by William Floyd Jr. on emergingcivilwar.com. He was accompanied by Taylor through the streets of Norfolk where he was “warmly welcomed by its citizens.”
Find out more about Lee’s visit by attending the November public program of the Hampton Roads Civil War Round Table at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Chesapeake Central Library, 298 Cedar Road.
Norfolk native Robert B. Hitchings, archivist and historian at the Norfolk County Historical Society’s Wallace Memorial Room at the Central Library, will present “Lee’s Visit to Norfolk After the Civil War.”
The program is free and open to the public.
THANKS FOR DECORATING, A MERRY MART
Weekend Scoop
The Chesapeake Public Library will offer two free seasonal events on Nov. 23.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the open area of the Central Library at 298 Cedar Road, will become the “Merry Market” as it presents local artisans and crafters displaying their creations for show and sale along with holiday and science activities, music, stories and, of course, visits from Santa and Mrs. Clause.
The market is free and open to all ages. Call 410-7129.
Later that day, from 2 until 3 p.m. head over to the South Norfolk Memorial Library, 801 Poindexter St., for the free “Family Day Out: Sensational Thanksgiving Decorations” event.
The entire family will give thanks for the season by creating turkey day decorations and other embellishments to celebrate this season of giving. All supplies will be provided.
Call the library at 410-7048 for more information.
Eric W. Feber, ewjfeber@gmail.com