LAKE ARTHUR ­— An event happening this Saturday will provide a perfect opportunity to get a jump start on the holidays.

Shoppers will be able to browse for arts and crafts, gifts, baked good and more during the 7th annual Glitter and Garland, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in the Lake Arthur Park. Admission and parking are free downtown.

“This is a great way to bring people to Lake Arthur to enjoy our little town and our park for a few hours,” organizer Joanna Lejeune said.

The open-air holiday market will feature more than 40 artisans, crafters and vendors located throughout the park selling and displaying unique gifts and craft items.

“There will be jewelry, home decor, wreaths, holiday decorations, bath items, candles, baked goods, homemade candy and more,” Lejeune said. “This is the perfect place to find holiday and gift items on your list.”

In addition to shopping, the crowds can enjoy the sounds of Souled Out 72, an area band performing a variety of music. The group will perform 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in th spark.

A black iron pot cook-off will also be held in conjunction with the festivities. Set-up begins at 7 a.m. at the Lake Arthur Park pavilion. Cooking begins at 8 a.m.

Teams can cook anything, except sweets, as long as it is prepared in black-iron cookware and includes a minimum of 5 pounds of meat.

Prep work may be done in advance of the contest.

 A team of judges will judge the entries beginning at noon.  

There is no cost to enter the cook-off, but wrist bands will be sold during Glitter and Garland for those wanting to sample the dishes. Wrist bands will be $5 a bowl or $10 for to-go plates. All proceeds from the cook-off sales go towards helping local families at Christmas.

Vendors can contact Lejeune at 774-5101. Those interested in the cook-off can contact Megan Stewart at 774-1185.

More information is available on the Glitter and Garland Facebook page.