Local Author To Highlight Event

A quarter-century ago, Ned Bustard of Lancaster began writing "Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver" for his children. A year ago, InterVarsity Press chose the book to launch its IVP Kids literature line. "I wrote it because I wanted a book to read to my daughters that would embrace all the magic of Christmas and Santa Claus, but not lose the Christian element," said Ned.

Ned, who illustrates and publishes, along with writing books, will bring his creative magic to the Garden Spot Village (GSV) Christmas Market to be held at GSV, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For a nominal cost, Ned will work with children to make cards that mimic the illustrations in his book, using woodblocks, inks, and rollers. Ned chose the woodcut look for his illustrations because he "appreciated the aesthetic." He learned printmaking from a friend, and now he will share those skills with the children who attend the GSV event. Each hour, his wife, Leslie, will read the Christmas poem he wrote about Saint Nicholas.

Ned first became acquainted with GSV when his work was featured in an art exhibit there. The idea for the Saint Nicholas book traces back to when he and Leslie, who teaches history, began exploring the Turkish origins of the jolly old elf. "The miracle of Christmas for (Saint Nicholas) is that Christmas never ends," said Ned. "He just walks the Earth giving out gifts, and his bag never empties."

Other family activities scheduled for the event include a Kids Christmas Market on the lower level of Village Square, family Christmas photos at the Village Square, and opportunities to visit the train room, where model engines steam through tiny villages, and the woodshop in the Gardens West Basement.

Shoppers will find a Christmas Makers Market, featuring handmade gifts, in the Village Park. A gift basket silent auction for people of all ages will be held in the theater located off Village Square, and a chocolate bark and hot cocoa making demonstration will be given in the Village Park. Christmas-themed baked goods will be available for purchase on the lower level of Village Square.

In addition, visitors will find shops at GSV, such as the Share & Care Thrift Store and Artisans Corner open to peruse. GSV's several eateries will welcome hungry attendees as well.

More information about GSV is available at http://www.gardenspotvillage.org.