Follow the Star to Ellis this Christmas Season.  Be sure to stop in Ellis at the Old High School Gym on December 5, 2009 to get your holiday shopping in high gear.  Last year, over 20 vendors covered the gym floor and flocks of people milled around for hours. Pampered Chef, US Born Books, original floral designs, hand made wood products, candles and Mary Kay Cosmetics were just a few of the vendors on hand for a great day of holiday shopping. 

While you're at Follow the Star Christmas Fair this year, try some of the delectable goods at the concession stand, all made by our own fabulous Chamber members.  Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Matt's Sauce, home-made pies and good 'ole German-made Green Bean Dumplin' Soup will be served for lunch in the front lobby of the Old High School Gym. 

Completely new this year will be Mike Lemon from Phillipsburg.  Mike is a certified Bob Ross Painting Instructor and will be painting live Saturday morning!  Come and watch a beautiful landscape unfold before your eyes.  You may even be selected to learn the technique as it is presented. 

The Ellis Rotary International Club is also joining us for the first time and they are bringing with them a very special guest.  SANTA!!!  Bring the children to talk with Santa and have Rotary Club members take their pictures to save that special moment forever.  No outside pictures, please.

Another new item this year is luxury bed and bath products, brought to us by Tara Winsett.  Tara comes to Ellis from Hays and will feature many items from the Private Quarters Collection.   

Mary Beth Rose joins us again with Smelly Jellies, Gift Packs, Fleece Throws and Rosaries.  The St. John's Lutheran Women will be offering baked goods and Amanda Shannon will be back with Pampered Chef products.  Envy D-Zines will bring lots of embroidery, screen printed, and direct-to-garment printed apparel.  Don't forget to ask Vicki about special orders, photo shirts and other promotional items! 

The Ellis United Methodist Women will have another beautiful quilt to raffle off and Marilyn Windholz will be on hand displaying the Norwex Enviro Products.  Arlene Gilbert returns to Ellis with Mary Kay Cosmetics and Paul & Mary Lou Armbruster will be offering their famous Matt's Sauces, Avon and hand-knitted products.  Barbara Kinderknecht will feature Tupperware products and Jennifer Rohr will bring her Scent-Sations Mia Bella Candles.  Arthur's Pizza & Mexican food will have their new Otis Spunkmeyer Cookies for sale.    

In 2007, George Erbert was definitely on Santa's "Nice" list because he won both raffle prizes offered; a kid's size 4-wheeler and a Treager Grill!  Even though George was a little too big for the kid's 4-wheeler, you can bet one of the grandkids had a lot of fun. Congratulations George!!   

In 2008, the John Befort family took home the 32" LCD Flat Screen TV and Tanner Bongartz won the Giant Stocking stuffed full of toys, games and books. 

This year, there will be a Green Mountain Grill, the Daniel Boone Series, and a Dirt King Tricycle from MCM Manufacturing in Wakeeney.  This grill has a huge fill auger, digital thermostat, domed lid and enough room to BBQ at least 10 big T-Bone Steaks!  The kids trike is built to last and to withstand anything thrown at it, even the tough Kansas terrain!  It is a cool blue color and will haul a load.  These prizes would be a great Christmas morning surprize for anyone. You can purchase your tickets at either the Chamber office, Golden Belt Coop, or the Ellis Travel Plaza.   

We invite you all out to a wonderful day of shopping, fun, and good food.