Marshall, Texas- Downtown merchants will be competing for bragging rights for the best holiday brew during the inaugural Wassail Fest, hosted by Marshall Main Street is a new addition to the 2015 Wonderland of Lights line up. “We wanted to put a focus on Small Business Saturday and encourage residents and visitors to get out and shop local,” said Main Street Director Sarah O’Brien, “The Saturday after Thanksgiving is a great time for families to get out of the house and visit some of downtown Marshall’s unique stores and restaurants.”
The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 28th. Wassail will be served at various shops, stores and restaurants in historic downtown Marshall. The 2015 Wassail Fest Participants are: Addictions, Innfield Downtown, Sweet Sabine’s, Central Perks, Gingko Leaf Art Gallery, Deborah’s Boutique, Blissmore Valley Ranch Company Store, and the Wiseman Center. A list of participating merchants can be picked up at the Visitor Center, located at 301 N. Washington St. the week of the event or will be available online at marshalltexas.net
Shoppers and other downtown visitors are invited to warm their bodies and spirits by sampling the various recipes, which will be judged on both taste and presentation. Participating merchants are also battling for the coveted People’s Choice award in which shoppers and visitors will be able to cast their vote for the best wassail. The competition is fierce, but the wassail is a warm and welcome respite for holiday shoppers.
Wassail is a hot drink that is made with wine, beer or cider, spices, sugar and usually baked apples. It is traditionally served from a large bowl, especially at Christmastime. Wassail Fest participants will put their own twists on the recipes, which are heavily guarded secrets among the cooks.
Small Business Saturday was launched in 2010 by American Express and has grown rapidly over the last 4 years. In 2014 an estimated 14.3 Billion dollars were spent at small independent business.
For more information about Wassail Fest or other Wonderland of Lights Christmas activities, call the Marshall Convention & Visitors Bureau at 903-702-7777, log onto marshalltexas.net, or be like us on facebook at “Wonderland of Lights.”