The annual Mistletoe Mart, which runs this year Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 12-14 at Ascension Episcopal Church, in Westminster, has grown over its 36-year history, but the main focus of the show — highlighting local artisans and kicking off the holiday shopping season — has been a comforting constant.

Sandy White, publicity chairwoman of the event, said the mart has grown on its reputation and on the loyal following of patrons, who come not only for bargains, but to bask in community glow.

Mistletoe Mart is a three-day juried artisan and craft festival, and this year will feature more than 50 vendors.

Many of the artisans come from Carroll County — such as Victoria Lynn, of Manchester, who specializes in creating hand-decorated purses and "bling bags" composed of denim materials and decorated with bows, beads and other items.

Other local artisans include Nick Corso, of New Windsor, who creates wood-fired pottery; Sam Gunby, of Sykesville, who operates Scenic View Photography; Cliff and Natica Losee, of Finksburg, who run Pigeon Hills Pottery; and Tone Sands, of Westminster, whose Peppermint Mill Farm specializes in coffees and confections.

Other vendors are more regional in nature, such as Sew Country Designs, a Shrewsbury, Pa., firm that creates Santa, angel and snowmen decorations and ornaments; Carole Maier, of Kingsville, who operates Berkley's Stained Glass; folk art vendor Keith Millison, of Gaithersburg; and Carol Ferenschak, of Frederick, who creates decorative birdhouses in her company, Wood Havens.

Vendor categories include books, florals, folk arts, glassware, herbal gifts, jewelry, paintings and prints, paper, photography, pottery and wood.

In addition, this year authors Cathy Baty, curator of the Historical Society of Carroll County; and Lyndi McNulty, of Gizmos Art, will sign their books at the Mistletoe Mart.

Baty wrote the book, "Carroll County," and most recently, "Westminster," while McNulty's book, "Farming in Carroll County," was released this year. The three books are part of the "Images of America Series."

Baty will appear at the event to sign books Thursday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. McNulty will sign books during the entire time of the show. Proceeds of both books go to benefit the Historical Society of Carroll County.

In addition to sales, the mart includes a cafe serving sandwiches, barbecue and desserts all day and dinner platters in the evening. There is also a country store with homemade items from parish members, a quilt raffle, hourly door prizes and a silent auction. During the day, complimentary tea is served in the "Golden Bough."

There is parking available and the church is handicap accessible.

White noted that more than 1,600 hours of work by volunteers from Ascension Church are needed to put together the annual show.

Proceeds from the mart go partially to the church and partially to fund area charities, according to White. Past charities have included the Literacy Council of Carroll County, Carroll Food Sunday, the Rape Crisis Intervention Center, Meals on Wheels and Shepherd's Staff.

If you go

Mistletoe Mart at Ascension Episcopal Church, 23 N. Court St., will run Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 12-14. Hours are Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission will be $5 for adults and $1 for children 12 and younger. For details, call 410-848-3251, e-mail themistletoemart@gmail.com or go to www.mistletoemart.org. The Web site includes a $1 admission discount for an adult ticket.

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