The sixteenth annual alternative to holiday shopping, “Heck with the Malls!” has experienced an impressive amount of growth since it’s early days, though it still maintains the small town feel that makes it such a welcoming event. Each winter the town of Centreville sparkles with unique gifts and holiday spirit as merchants open their doors to offer refreshments and special offers, while area artists and artisans display the best of the best for shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind gifts.

Visit the Queen Anne’s County Arts Council’s Centre for the Arts and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Centreville, Maryland on Saturday, December 3, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Shoppers will find hand crafted jewelry, holiday ornaments, original gouache and watercolor paintings, photography, ceramics, wood sculpture, artisan created fashions and home accessories, book signings, pictures with Santa and more. Downtown Centreville merchants will have extra discounts and refreshments for holiday shoppers.

When you finish shopping with area artists, visit downtown where merchants will have extra discounts and refreshments for holiday shoppers. Participating businesses include An Eastridge Garden, Blooming Deals, Centreville Liquors, Cottage Cuts, Edwards Pharmacy, PNC Bank, QAC Historical Society, Serendipidee, Sugar Magnolia Cafe & Gifts, and Western Auto. An annual holiday bazaar, lunch and children’s shopping are also part of the day at Mother of Sorrows Church.

The event is sponsored by PNC Bank and is free. For more information contact the Queen Anne’s County Arts Council and Centre for the Arts at 410.758.2520. The Centre receives support through a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. The Centre for the Arts is located at 206 S. Commerce St., and St. Paul’s is on 301 S. Liberty, but entrance to their parking area is off of Commerce St.

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council, Inc., is a non-profit organization committed to promoting, expanding and sustaining the arts. We connect artists to audiences and the community to the arts. Visit us on the web at www.arts4u.info.