Hays ARC Recycled Reindeer Christmas Market, auction set for November

By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post

The Arc of Central Plains in Hays will debut the Recycled Reindeer Christmas Market, a festive twist on its annual fundraiser.

The market, featuring the Festival of Trees, combines its online auction with a new experience where shoppers can buy handmade holiday items on the spot.

"It's like going to a craft show. You can come in, you can find something you love, and you can take it home that day," executive director of the Arc of Central Plains Kathy McAdoo said.

The market will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15 at 229 W. 10th St., the former Home Event Center. The online auction opens Nov. 13 on The Arc of Central Plains website and closes at 6 p.m. Nov. 17.

Exact auction items will be available to view once they go live.

"We've been working since February creating all of the really cool stuff that we're going to have available," McAdoo said.

The four day 24/7 auction will feature decorated Christmas trees along with other festive pieces, including wreaths.

The Recycled Reindeer Market will feature smaller home decor items priced as low as $5, along with homegrown goods from Harvest Hays, including pickled peppers, pickles, zucchini relish, lemon zucchini bread and tomatoes.

"I wouldn't go anywhere else looking for Christmas decorations. I would go here first," McAdoo said.

The volunteer-run fundraiser will donate all proceeds to Harvest Hays and the Arc Buffalo's Special Olympics team. In previous years, funds supported the now-completed Arc Park project.

McAdoo said she hopes to raise close to $10,000.

"The economy is much different this year. The community always supports us. They're very generous and I think it'll be a great year," she said.

The Arc of Central Plains Thrift Shop has already begun posting items on its Facebook page.