By Greg Ellison, Staff Writer]

(Nov. 30, 2017) With Yuletide shopping in full swing, this month’s Snow Hill Arts on the River First Friday provides an ideal opportunity to discover distinctive gift items from local merchants, all while soaking up holiday cheer, tomorrow from 5-8 p.m.

Snow Hill’s annual Christmas Market, which returns to the old firehouse on 210 West Green Street, kicks off the gift-purchasing bonanza at noon. The market, a joint venture between the town and the Snow Hill Rotary Club, will be open until 8 p.m.

Sue Vincent, Rotary event chairperson, said an array of vendors would attend with diverse offerings, including jewelry, baked goods, antique toys, locally crafted artisan items, coins and candy.

“It’s a good place to find unique gifts and start your Christmas shopping early,” she said.

Because of a scheduling conflict last year the market was temporarily relocated, but is now returning to its traditional locale in the firehouse. Vincent said customers would support small business as well as fund the Rotary outreach, including local scholarships.

Vincent also said shoppers would find tempting holiday foods, including Amish friendship bread.

“The event will feature an array of fresh baked-goods to enliven your holiday palate,” she said.

The Lower Shore Land Trust, 100 River Street, will hold a greens sale and feature author Joan Maloof, signing copies of her recently published volume “The Living Forest.”

Kate Patton, Lower Shore executive director, said the organization would expand its presence beyond the River Street office during First Friday.

“We’re going to be doing double duty,” she said. “We’re going to have a little table at the fire station to highlight our activities.”

Patton described “The Living Forest” as a gorgeous, hardbound coffee-table book with photographs by Robert Llewellyn and lyrical essays by Maloof. To pre-order copies contact the Lower Shore at 443-234-5587.

Patton said patrons, last year, clamored for grab-and-go bundles of fresh greens.

“We’ll have large bunches of fresh greens for decorating,” she said. “Get them while supplies last.”

In addition to Maloof’s book, Patton said enthusiasts of environmentally focused literature would have numerous selections to peruse.

“We’ll have copies of her book and some other great nature books,” she said. “Plus, holiday cheer and tasty snacks.”

The Snow Hill Elementary School PTA invites children to get a picture with Santa at the Pocomoke River Canoe Company, 2 River Street, from 5-8 p.m.

PTA members receive one free 4×6 photo, with extras costing $5. Nonmembers can purchase shots for $10 each or parents of Snow Hill Elementary students can join the PTA for $7 and get one photo at no additional cost.

Drinks and desserts will be available for purchase with proceeds benefitting the PTA.

The Corddry Company Crossing Model Railroad Club, which has built model train gardens since 1992, will transform the second floor of the Pocomoke River Canoe Company into a paradise for O-Gauge lovers.

For train enthusiasts not able to attend Frist Friday, the model railroad club will operate the train garden each Saturday and Sunday throughout December from 1-4 p.m. at the Pocomoke River Company.

Bishop’s Stock Fine Art, Craft & Wine, on 202 West Green Street, will welcome its featured artist for December, Stan Sperlak, host a book signing by C.L. Marshall, hold a Studio Sweep Sale and provides tastings of wine from Italy.

Stan Sperlak, whose recent works concentrates on regional landscapes, began displaying professionally in 1998 and since 2005 has served on the Mid Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association board of directors.

C.L. Marshall will be signing copies of the just-published volume “Hunting & Fishing the Chesapeake: Unforgettable tales of Wing and Water.”

The Daily Brew Coffeehouse, 213 Snow Hill Road, will have freshly made sugar cookies available for purchase, with sprinkles and icing provided so patrons can decorate their holiday treat.

If you need a haircut, Mirror Salon on 216 North Washington Street will offer half-off pricing for walk-in clients, as well as half-off gift certificates of $50 or more.

Sassy Girl Boutique, on 114 West Green Street, will offer 25 percent off all remaining holiday décor, excluding candles and potpourri.

The Flower Shop, 218 North Washington Street, will knock 15 percent off prices on all holiday décor.

Stop by Jerry’s Wood Craft, 112 West Green Street, for hot drinks, sweets and eye-popping treats. In addition to hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes, there will be a model train operating in the shop’s front window.

Art and music blend at the Jim Adcock Studio in the John Blair House, 106 East Green Street, where patrons will find reduced prices on original works by Jim and his son John Adcock, all while being serenaded by Snow Hill’s rock and roll ambassador Nick Haglich. In addition to contemporary and classic rock tunes, Haglich will also feature select cartoon themes and holiday gems.

The Harvest Moon Tavern, 208 West Green Street, will feature the acoustic rhythms and vocal harmonies of Opposite Directions from 7- 10 p.m. As usual, reservations are strongly suggested.

The Blue Dog Café, on 300 North Washington Street, will have a patriotic celebration with a performance by WWIIunes and Todd Crosby, along with co-owner Gary Weber, performing from 7-10 p.m. Reservations are strongly suggested.

First Friday sponsors include Arts on the River, Snow Hill’s Arts & Entertainment District, the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the Town of Snow Hill.