Christmasgets early start this weekend

For those who are eager for the holiday season to arrive, Columbia County is getting the Christmas ball rolling this weekend with Christmas, Crafts and Caroling.

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"This officially kicks off the holiday season," said Keela Fruehling, a county community-events specialist.

The third annual craft show will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday at Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

Nearly 60 arts and crafts vendors are expected to sell their wares at the event, which also will feature live music from saxophonist Fred Williams, the Greenbrier Elementary School chorus, the Wesley United Methodist Church bell choir, a Columbia County orchestra, musical theater workshops and Christian music artist Bill Steely.

Steely was scheduled to perform as part of the county's Christian music series in August, but the show was rained out.

"He agreed to come back and do an hourlong performance at the craft show," Fruehling said.

Vendors will be selling a variety of craft items, including jewelry, children's clothing, wood art, handmade soaps and baked goods, woven baskets, pottery and candles.

"They are not all local, but a lot of them are," Fruehling said. "It is all handmade crafts."

Refreshments also will be available.

Admission is free.

If you go

What: Christmas, Crafts and Caroling

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: Savannah Rapids Pavilion

More: (706) 312-7192