JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Only a few days have passed since Halloween and Christmas is already in the air at First National Bank Arena.

The 38th annual Lit’l Bita Christmas event will take place after kicking off on Friday, November 1st.

James Deberry of the Red Wolf Foundation said the event was very unique.

“This event started as a way to give the wives and women of Northeast Arkansas something to do when hunting season begins,” Deberry said. “It’s a unique experience because we think this arena is very much a part of athletics, it’s really transformed into something you wouldn’t recognize the arena on a normal weekend.

Jonesboro residents and sisters Allison Morris and Madison Thompson attend the event every year with their mother.

“It’s a tradition we do every year, usually our mom comes but she’s out of town, she didn’t participate in the tradition this year,” Thompson said, “We just like going to the different booths and see different things.”

The event had a little bit of everything, from photos with Santa to all kinds of food, decorations, novelties, something for everyone.

Louann Tidwell is from Nashville and came to visit family. It was their first time there and she said they appreciated everyone’s kindness.

“I liked how friendly everyone is here and they know their products and it’s such a nice variety, so it’s very, very good,” Tidwell said.

“One of my favorite things to do is try to find an annual Christmas ornament to put on the tree, but there are all kinds of shops, jewelry. I’m always a fan of the snack vendors,” Deberry said.

Vendors came from within and outside the city. Hannah Claire Haughaboo with The Busy Bee was from Little Rock.

“It’s awesome, I love the joy and festivities of this holiday season and I love seeing all the cute little girls in their cute outfits,” Haughaboo said.

Those present said they could already feel the Christmas cheer.

“It excites me, my tree is already at my house. Our husbands are grumps, I put up my tree, I’m ready to go, I brought the decorations down from the attic, I’m looking for new things, I love Christmas,” Thompson said.

“Usually I wait, but I’ve been planning this holiday collection for four months, so it’s all Christmas,” Haughaboo said.

“It’s definitely a culture shock for me to get the decorations out and all that, but it’s fun, it helps me get into the Christmas spirit, a little earlier than usual,” Deberry said .

This event helps the Red Wolf Foundation by reinvesting money into scholarships for students.

The event runs until Sunday, November 3.

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