Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The Christmas spirit will soon be taking over First National Bank Arena as organizers prepare for the 40th anniversary of Lit’l Bita Christmas.

One of the largest arts and craft fairs in the mid-south, this year’s event is bringing in 258 vendors from across the country, who will be selling everything from arts and crafts, food, clothing, jewelry, and more. The event, which began in 1986, draws between 10,000 to 15,000 people each year.

In addition, proceeds from entry tickets benefit student athlete scholarships provided by the Red Wolves Foundation, the charitable arm of Arkansas State Athletics that provides private financial support for the university’s athletics program. The event raises $80,000 to $100,000 for scholarships, according to Lisa Reeves, Red Wolves Foundation business manager coordinator.

“We get a lot of people that they remember coming to this event when they were kids, and that are now brining their kids or grandkids,” Reeves said. “It has become kind of like a Christmas tradition in this area, for people to come shop at Lit’l Bita Christmas.”

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New to this year’s event will be a kids play area, which will include coloring, a soft play area for young children, as well as a gingerbread bounce house for older kids. Also new will be the inclusion of food trucks, which will be parked outside of the arena.

“That’s one thing a lot of people have always mentioned to us, is they wish they had a little bit more food options, whether they were shopping, because a lot of people are there for a long time, and then the vendors as well,” Reeves said.

Pictures with Santa will return this year, as will door prize giveaways, which will be announced every 30 minutes, Reeves said.

A map showing all vendor locations is still being finalized, Reeves said, but will be released online and on the Lit’l Bita Christmas social media once it is complete. During the event, two large maps depicting vendor booth locations will be on display near the registration desk, and maps will also be shown on the four screens inside the arena.

Lit’l Bita Christmas is set for Nov. 20-22 at First National Bank Arena, located at 217 Olympic Drive. The single-day entry fee is $6, with a 3-day pass costing $15. Arkansas State University students who show a valid student ID will get in free on Nov. 20. Parking will be free.

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