'Twas the month before Christmas and all through the town, senior elves were hard at work making fun stuff for the 13th annual Santa's Village at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center.
Candles, ornaments, bears, birds, wreaths, dolls, a wooden rocking horse, aprons, designer sweatshirts and stockings to hang by the chimney with care have all been prepared for the holiday gift shopper in mind.
Santa's lead elf is Dorothy Crosby, manager of the center's gift shop. She has coordinated more than 15 volunteers from the gift shop and several from the center's dining room to help set up and host the annual show.
"I get a lot of help and the men really pitch in Friday afternoon to help set everything up in the dining room," Crosby said.
Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the center, 911 Beverly Drive, shoppers can browse the handmade crafts - all created by seniors - in a light and festive atmosphere. Performing on the keyboards will be Gabe Zampanti, who has played each year of the event. Also performing will be the Singing Seniors with solo performances by Joe Dietsch and Marvin Richardville.
Dietsch and Richardville will also reenact the "Who's on First?" skit made famous by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello.
"Our baby section in the gift shop has a lot of items, especially afghans," Crosby said. The gift shop will be open in addition to Santa's Village.
Proceeds from the Christmas bazaar go to the center's Meals on Wheels program, which provides meals to the homebound who are unable to cook for themselves.
"We donate between $4,000 and $5,000, depending on sales," Crosby said.
"We give the senior center the money in February, which I like to call 'heart month,' because it's from our heart to theirs."
There will also be desserts of all kinds and a chili bar for shoppers who want to take a break. Desserts include cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, candies, See's Candy, dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls and more.
"There will be five cooks making chili for the chili bar," Crosby said. "Three of them use my recipe, two use their own, but they're all very good."
Senior Irvan Sullivan makes pinewood patio furniture, Adirondack style. Orders will be taken for Sullivan's furniture as well as large orders for See's Candy and Nannie Mac's tasty peanut brittle - just like grandma used to make.
So whether shopping for Christmas, a birthday or other "must-have-a-gift" reason, Santa's Village should have something to accommodate your list.
IF YOU GO
What: 13th annual Santa's Village
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Carson City Senior Citizens Center, 911 Beverly Drive
Call: 883-7887
