RSA plans Christmas bazaar, car show

The Roanoke Schools Association is preparing for its Third Annual RSA Christmas Bazaar and Classic Car Show at the National Guard Armory on Old LaFayette Highway.

Martha Shelnutt, chairman of the fundraiser, said they expect this to be the best one yet. Vendors are continuing to sign up almost daily as the Saturday, Nov. 7 date grows closer. There is no admission charge, and the hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The silent auction ends at 2 p.m., and the car show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Shelnutt and co-chairwoman Janie Danner are excited about the Classic Car Show, which they believe will bring more people to their event.

“We’re hoping it will be a draw for us,” Shelnutt said. Clark Sheppard is in charge of it and will award trophies.

Danner told people to go to the veteran’s parade and then come by and have lunch with them.

Veteran’s Day is Nov. 11 but activities will be observed Nov. 7, beginning at 11 a.m. The city and American Legion Post 53 are sponsoring a parade and other activities.

Rock Mills Boy Scout Troop #1545 is selling tickets for the meal, which can be purchased ahead of time from Greg Shelnutt, Martha Shelnutt, Janie Danner or at the door. The $6 plates will include chicken alfredo, salad and french bread. Homemade vegetable soup and chicken noodle soup with crackers and cornbread will also be for sale, along with various breakfast biscuits.

RSA will have a bake sale with all proceeds going to the organization. Last year they had cakes, pies, cookies, fudge and homemade breads. There also will be a temporary tattoo booth, cotton candy and T-shirts for sale, Danner said.

A number of items have already been donated for the silent auction but more are needed, Shelnutt said. Some of the donated items include a wicker chair donated by Frank Fetner, who is bringing Santa Claus items, and a bag donated by the Annie L. Awbrey Public Library that is chock full of books.

Cotter’s Furniture donated an Alabama beanbag chair; Payne’s Furniture donated an Auburn lamp; Southern Home Comfort donated earrings; Lewis Neighbors of Deluxe Cleaners donated a cleaning certificate for a two-piece suit, and Martha Shelnutt is painting a landscape for the silent auction.

Danner said people should come prepared to shop for Christmas presents, particularly for those who are hard to buy for. Lucy Morris will make custom ordered fall or Christmas wreaths while the buyer continues to shop.

Some of the vendors who have already signed up are: Mike Heard, who makes leather items; Jeannette Barber, who does candles, lotions, blankets and coasters; Charlene Spears, who has items from painted birdhouses to Christmas ornaments; and Katherine Carden, who makes homemade apple butter and jewelry. New vendors Ann and Robert Stewart have jewelry boxes, cedar chests, serving trays and other handmade items; Tim Shaver has birdhouses, hot plates and flower arrangements; Sylvia Grant has hand-painted wooden items and Christmas ornaments; Judy Moncus does gift baskets and makes unusual ornamental, non-edible, cakes from items such as baby diapers and towels; and Teresa Marable has decorative pictures and designer purses.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness will have a booth providing information and free water; Louise Romine and Tippi Healea will have needlework, casserole carriers and hand-crafted purses; Robin Romine will have a health booth; Nadine Ryun will have painted gourds and other painted decorations; Joyce Robinson and Debbie Mulkey will have handmade jewelry, angels, Christmas ornaments and silk flower arrangements; Martha Shelnutt will have a booth with her paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic and painted and lined cheese boxes for storage; and Dot Russell will have handmade children’s clothing.

Booths are $20 each and some tables are available for $2 each. RSA needs to know which ones will need electricity.

RSA will get the money from the bake sale, car show and silent auction. Last year the group donated money to each of the three city schools. Since its founding RSA has purchased a sound system for the City Auditorium, provided money for field trips and other enrichment that the system cannot provide; helped provide a piano at Handley Middle School and helped fund Kathy Murphy’s work with students, as well as other activities and projects. As school funding is being cut due to less tax revenue these extras are helping, Danner and Shelnutt said.

They urge people to buy good Christmas and birthday presents right here and help the local schools.

Anyone wanting more information about the event or how to sign up as a vendor can contact Shelnutt at 334-863-2472.