JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The town of Jasper was in high spirits for the holidays on Saturday, Dec. 13, as residents and visitors of all ages gathered in celebration of Christmas during the community’s first Christmas in a Small Town event.
Spearheaded by Vicki Messer, secretary of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, this year’s Christmas in a Small Town event was a conglomerate of holiday celebration filled with vendors, activities, and overall Christmas cheer for all in attendance. According to Messer, up to 58 vendors gathered in downtown Jasper to participate in the holiday event.
“We have a completely full 14 food vendors and 44 crafters,” said Messer. “We don’t have another spot to put anybody, but next year we will expand.”
The anticipated event was first announced during Jasper’s September city meeting. There, Messer made the announcement and detailed hers and the Chamber’s ideas to expand upon the community’s annual Christmas Parade in their initiative to bring more recognition to Jasper. She explained that the Chamber not only looks to host and expand upon Jasper’s newest event going forward, but also aims to expand upon and establish other events throughout all communities in Marion County.
“We’re looking at moving on to communities like Powells Crossroads, New Hope, and Whitwell,” said Messer. “We want to include everybody and let them know that the chamber is there, and that’s what we’re here for.”
Kicking off this year’s celebration was the large number of vendors who have gathered within historic Courthouse Square to showcase their crafts and services to visitors of the event. Food vendors in participation ranged from out-of-town establishments such as The Dogfather from Chattanooga and Pyro Pies Wood Fired Pizza and More from Dunlap, to local favorites including Crazy Fries from South Pittsburg and Revival Coffee Company and Acai from Jasper. Establishments local to Jasper’s downtown like the Redpoint Inn Restaurant have received a significant boost in the number of customers it received due to the event’s major allure, a draw Redpoint Inn owner Robert Doherty felt greatly supports the restaurant.
“We normally do well on Saturdays, but this brought 30% to 40% more people than I would see at this hour,” said Doherty.
Several organizations and volunteer missionaries also gathered within the square, including the Kirschbaum family, who travel to Jamaica each year in missionary trips to support Robin’s Nest Children’s Home in Jamaica. Jason Kirschbaum explained he and his family became involved in helping support the children’s home three years prior. The family sold several baked cookies and dog treats during the recent event to support both the program and the family’s upcoming mission trip in January.
“We’re partnering up with New Beginnings Church in Jasper to try and get the mission to grow and gain a bigger following,” explained Kirschbaum.
Alongside the newest festivities introduced, Jasper’s annual Christmas Parade commenced at 6 p.m. as onlookers gathered across Betsy Pack Drive onwards to witness all who lined up for this year’s parade. Many from across the county lined up within Betsy Pack Drive as parade walkers passed out candy to families spectating this year’s parade.
All involved within the establishment of this year’s Christmas in a Town event, including Mayor Jason Turner of Jasper, hope all who visited not only walk away with new memories made, but also with a greater sense of community within them for the holiday season.
“We love giving back, and we do everything we can to give back,” said Mayor Turner.
Other moments within the Christmas themed celebration included the lighting and introduction of the Community Christmas Tree in downtown, and fireworks being shot off to signal the final moments of the celebration, concluding Jasper’s newest event in festive style for the holiday season.
Additional photos on Page 12 by the Town of Jasper