Southern Christmas Show

I think the events was very well the most Christmas I have ever experienced, lol. The vendors were amazing and had a great variety. I see some people complained about commercial vendors being there but I think it adds variety to the selection. We went on a Saturday which, for our first time going, was a little intense. The line just to get in the parking lot took us about an hour to get in. My mother is in a wheelchair and she has been dying to go but was worried about her slowing us down. I tell her she deserves the same experience and never slows us down! However, I do see a major opportunity for the planning team. I know the event does not offer time slots for people to purchase but I am suggesting it to help with the crowds. The place was insanely crowded and you can see other people with walkers, strollers and wheel chairs just struggling to get through the crowd. Imagine Disney crowds on steroids kinda crowds. I used my mother’s wheelchair to help split sea of people so you could get from one place to another. I had a line of people in the same situation following me. And anytime we stopped to check out a booth it cause a back up and people actually cussed us out! Not the events fault for that but just makes me sad to see people being disrespectful to anyone, especially those who have challenges. And it was just to us, it was like that with every one that stopped to look at the vendors. So my suggestion would be to implement some time slots or a designated walking lane so people can stop and look at vendors without stopping traffic. Also to make sure everyone has enough space to let wheelchairs through because there was some places we couldn’t get into because the space did not allow. I will be back but definitely not on a weekend. I hope the group takes some of these ideas into consideration.

We had a BALL! Everything was so festive and beautiful! And we found some amazing unique finds and supported small businesses. Bonus - the golf cart rides with the Shriners!

This is a busy event! Wear comfortable shoes, bring cash for vendors, and eat before you arrive to avoid long lines and not having a table to eat. Chick Fila sandwich is $10, a mimosa was $20. The food is not great from the cafeteria and very expensive. Save some money for the back vendors, as they often have a lot to offer! They have dips, sauces, seasoning, tea, monogrammed items, custom items, ornaments, kids clothes, pet items, earring's, real custom wood and glass pieces. The only thing I really feel like is out of place is the infomercial items. They take up a lot of space and the women trying to get you to use the hair tools are obnoxious. I don’t want my hair done when I’m shopping, and they keep harassing you.

The Southern Christmas Show was fantastic! Amazing variety of holiday vendors & activities. My only small complaint was that there was only a small portable bathroom for men in the whole complex (at least that I saw). So there was a bit of a wait for that. There wasn’t ever a line for the women’s as far as I could see because I believe they used both built in restrooms for them.

Parking is atrocious, total organized chaos. $10 CASH ONLY, multiple individuals on the street, and in lots collecting cash. HOW IS IT AT ALL POSSIBLE to keep track of all the cash collected? Honor system?Ok sure. (One for me, one for you...) Pleanty of handicapped space by entrance, but we were made to park on the other side of the facility and walk the distance to the entrance and there were open handicapped spaces. Admission was $18, with no senior discount. They were selling $6 shopping bags at the entrance that you can purchase at Dollar General for a buck, and at many similar venues you at least get a free "swag bag" Vendors were very overpriced. Everyone seemed to have their hands out. There are no types of free samples /promotions whatsoever. Not even a candy cane. No deals could be made on purchasing multiple items. Several vendors stated that due to the high "fee," they could not afford to give anything away. This is basically a glorified flea market that you have to pay to get into. Between parking and admission, and if you decide to buy a bag for just 2 people, you are already out $52. And I did not even factor in the price of food if you decide to eat there and the fuel to drive there. This will easily make it to $100, especially if you have kids. All to just look around at people selling stuff. In this economy do I really need to spend my hard earned money to ge go in to a venue and see Verizon, "as seen on tv" merchandise and leaf guard gutter guards? All which can be seen for free on TV? this one is not worth the trouble or effort to attend. There are many Christmas craft shows out there. This is strictly a "cash grab " operation. But if you enjoy throwing cash away, this is definitely the venue for you. I have nuch better things to spend my hard earned money on.