Annual Christmas shopping event turns 50
With Christmas looming around the corner, the Opera Guild of Shreveport-Bossier is scheduled to open the annual Les Boutiques de Noel for its 50th anniversary edition Friday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Shreveport Convention Center.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary, the Guild will open with a ceremonial ribboncutting Friday morning, Nov. 22, in conjunction with the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce at the Convention Center.
Adrienne Frierson is a long-time member of the Boutique’s publicity committee, and she promises that this year, “It’s going to be fabulous. The idea is you can walk in and buy something for every single person on your list.”
The event began modestly in 1974 with just 20 exhibitors but has evolved into a record number — 100 this year — of merchants from across the region. It is now recognized as one of the single most significant fundraising events put on by an Opera Guild. All Les Boutiques de Noel proceeds go directly to the Shreveport Opera and the Shreveport Opera Express (SOX). These funds support annual Opera productions as well as the SOX program. Four singers and one pianist make up the SOX artists. This program in Shreveport is one of the country’s few seasonlong Resident Artist programs.
Besides the extended variety of merchandise, one of the annual draws to the event is the Jolly Old Elf, who makes an appearance for the kids each year. This year will be special, according to Frierson.
“Santa will be there all day every day. This is the first time we’ve had that. He will be in Santa Land. Access to Santa Land is free with purchase of a ticket. We will have a professional photographer there to take photos at no charge. You can purchase photos after, if you’d like them, or you can take your own photo.”
So, what can you get at Boutiques? Merchant Swift Nation is back by popular demand with Taylor Swift-themed gifts, apparel, toys and even Advent calendars. Alaska Wooden Spoon Company is headed south with handcrafted wooden spoons and kitchen utensils. New local merchants like We Rock the Spectrum (sensory development toys), Cadeaux Unique Bossier, Sophie Mos Jewelry, Bearded Justice, Favorite Sisters Boutique and Bina & Co. Returning vendors include Kathy Tobler Silver, Discovery Toys, Holy Angels, Guilded Oyster, Susie Qs, Gnome Hollow, We Olive and Cane River Soap.
For children, there will be Creole Kids Boutique fun patterns for play clothes and pajamas; Tres Jolie & Sweet Southern Grace — traditional Southern children’s apparel; and Prissy Pelican — diva clothes and children’s books.
Frierson said to bring your sweet tooth for specialty coffee from South Louisiana, pecans, stuffed cookies, specialty popcorn and much more.
“We buy a lot of toys for kids,” Frierson said. “Things for men, a wide variety. It’s not just a bunch of the same stuff. Some really unique items. We’re focusing on really, really great vendors, having a Santa attraction so you can get a wonderful photo for your children for your Christmas card, a nice relaxing environment.”
To learn more, visit lesboutiquesdenoel.com or @boutiquesdenoel on Facebook or Instagram.
