Oxford Seniors hosted its annual Holiday Market Saturday, Nov. 2, selling crafts, homemade decorations and baked goods — all topped off with a lunch of bean soup and cornbread.

The Seniors began the holiday tradition in 1995. Ten percent of the proceeds from the craft and baked goods booths, and all proceeds from the luncheon go towards supporting the Oxford Seniors Center, said Jeanne Glaser, the operations administrator for the organization.

Hundreds of people passed through the market during the four-hour event at the center, which is located at 922 Tollgate Drive. Many of the vendors and customers at the market said they saw the event as a fun kick-start to the holiday season.  

“It’s always great to see people come out and have a good time,” Ellie Marcum, a long-time member of the group, said.

Linda Brown’s stained-glass booth highlighted one of the most popular classes taught at the senior center during the year. “I love teaching the stained-glass class here. It’s great seeing how much people enjoy it and seeing them come back again and again,” Brown, as she sold off colorful Christmas tree ornaments and other items.

Another particularly popular booth was run by Amy Devine, who repurposed wood scraps and old book pages to create rustic holiday decor. Devine said it was the first craft sale she had ever participated in.

“I used to make these things for my family and friends just for fun and everyone kept telling me that I should start a little business out of it,” Devine said. “I’m very happy that it seems to be a big hit. I just think making these little crafts is so fun and they always come out looking so cute.”

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