Vinegar Hill offers a great day of friends and family shopping

[November 26, 2019]     On Saturday morning it was over hill and dale..., ok, maybe here in the prairie flatlands it is more like over the river and through the woods we go.

It was the one day of the year that Mount Pulaski flings open its doors inviting out-of-town visitors and local folk to the Christmas on Vinegar Hill shopping extravaganza.

The dreary morning made a slow start to the day, but as the sleet and snow melted about mid-morning, foot and vehicle traffic increased.

In homes and workshops, churches, schools, restaurants, organization and public buildings throughout town and beyond, spaces were filled with crafts, arts and small business wares for the 31st annual event.

Shoppers could find a hearty breakfast, lunch and supper to carry them through a day of seeing and shopping, and visiting.

Small home businesses offered personal care, jewelry, home products and more. Crafters and artists presented unique gift-giving goods, all made with lots of heart.

Away from the center of town, several homes featured a wide variety of handmade items. The greater number of vendors could be found throughout the downtown area of Mount Pulaski, and there were many and varied products and items to choose from.

Vinegar Hill recalls the days of prohibition around 1933 when those who wanted liquor could ride the train to Mount Pulaski and have their flasks filled.

The catch phrase remained part of lore and half a century later was re-captured as a campy title for a fun holiday experience for friends and families.

[Jan Youngquist]