Holly Jolly Christmas happenings

There is a new addition to The South Reporter’s editorial page. We are proud to announce Janice Wagg’s “Smoke Signals and Other News.” Janice has written for many years covering the happenings in Byhalia and Marshall County School Board meetings, along with featured stories and photos. We are very happy to have her weekly column featured in The South Reporter and are looking forward to reading her take on all the happenings in Byhalia and surrounding communities in Marshall County.

This past weekend was full of Christmas holiday themed events in Holly Springs. Thursday a fun filled evening was had at the 5th Annual Holly and Ivy Gala followed by the first night of the Marshall County Historical Museum Christmas Tour of Homes. Saturday brought the Holly Springs Shops, held at the Eddie Lee Smith Multi- Purpose Building, full of vendors eager to sell perfect holiday gifts for that special someone. While strolling through the shops and taking photos I stumbled upon Ford’s Hot Tamales by La’Tonya Kizart of Cordova. The smell was deliciously tempting. I was immediately intrigued and started capturing some photos. La’Tonya then graciously offered me some of their lipsmacking tamales. She prefaced by asking me if I liked spicy food and, of course, I said yes. Before I knew it she was opening the savory smelling pot of tamales and making me a plate. After she handed me the plate I grabbed a fork and started to cut into them. La’Tonya quickly leaned in and politely asked me, “Have you ever eaten tamales?” I was slightly embarrassed and laughed replying, “No! This is my first time trying them.” She showed me how to pull away the corn husk to get to the tamale and my goodness, it was so delicious! Kizart’s granddaughter, Nylee Ross, said the family recipe had been passed down to them for three generations. I asked if you could order her tamale’s online and Kizart replied she does ship them. It would make such a nice gift for friends who have difficulty finding delicious homemade tamales.

As I continued on my journey through the shops and was delighted by all the cheery shoppers and vendors, Michelle Libby and Dawn Mefford, from Arlington, stopped by Sharon Anderson’s table to purchase a couple of customized tumblers and a few beautiful Christmas decorations. Santa caught Carlyn Young’s and she eagerly left him her wish list of toys to be delivered on Christmas Day.

Estella Dean and Catrish Jones, thank you for putting together a wonderful event for the community.

Unfortunately there isn’t enough room in my column to mention every single vendor, but I can assure you there were many more and they all offered unique and gorgeous gifts.