Christmas Festival to feature more than 50 vendors

Published 8:56 pm Wednesday, December 4, 2013

More than 50 vendors are slated to operate booths at the Rotary Club of Chilton County’s Christmas Festival on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8.

Among the vendors will be ABC 33/40 news anchor Brenda Ladun, who will have her signature butterfly T-shirts and motivational books available for purchase.

Proceeds from Ladun’s butterfly T-shirts will help provide clothing, food and education to 24 foster children at Grace House Christian Home for Girls.

“I just felt like there was something more I could do for Grace House,” Ladun said. “I feel like God moved me. I’ve been able to give them regular donations throughout the year, and I’m blessed to be able to give back.”

Ladun said the front of the shirt bears a butterfly, a Christian symbol for renewal and hope, and on the back is a picture of a tree with Proverbs 3:5, Ladun’s favorite Bible verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

The T-shirts ABC 33/40 news anchor Brenda Ladun will sell at the Christmas Festival to benefit Grace House feature butterflies on the front pockets.

The T-shirts ABC 33/40 news anchor Brenda Ladun will sell at the Christmas Festival to benefit Grace House feature butterflies on the front pockets.

“The tree was taken from a picture that I took outside of my mom’s house last spring when they told me she was not going to make it,” Ladun said. “She did, somehow. I know the ‘somehow’ is God’s grace, and God has purpose for her years.”

The shirts are $25 each for short-sleeved and $30 for long-sleeved.

Ladun will have copies of her first book, “Getting Better, Not Bitter: A Spiritual Prescription for Breast Cancer,” available to buy at the festival.

Ladun was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2001, and she underwent surgery and completed chemotherapy.

“Just in my journey with cancer, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to a lot of groups and to a lot of people and offer a lot of hope,” Ladun said. “There’s special significance in getting through tough times. I just sort of feel like it’s my mission to encourage people.”

Admission is $7, or $6 with a canned food item.

Children ages 6–12 get in for $3. Children under 6 get in free.

Santa Claus will be available for pictures and visits with children at the festival.