The holiday season is a time that many people look forward to all year, filled with traditions, community, and a sense of giving back. For students at West Johnston High School in Benson, North Carolina, this time of year holds special meaning. On the first Saturday of every December, the school hosts its annual Alumni Whobilation Vendor Show. This is an event that brings excitement not only to students, but also to community members from across the area.
The year 2016 marked the beginning of the West Johnston FFA Whobilation Vendor Show, starting a tradition that has continued to grow and thrive over the years. What began as a simple idea has developed into a highly anticipated community event, thanks to the dedication of the West Johnston FFA Alumni chapter. Each year, the alumni work together with a shared goal of strengthening connections between the FFA chapter and the local community while creating a festive space for holiday shopping and celebration.
The Whobilation Vendor Show features a wide variety of vendors who create and sell handmade items, giving local businesses and students an opportunity to showcase their talents and products. In addition to vendor shopping, attendees can enjoy concessions, raffles, and door prizes, all of which add to the excitement of the event. One of the most popular attractions is a visit from Santa and even the Grinch, making the Whobilation Vendor Show a family-friendly experience that people of all ages can enjoy. This combination of shopping, entertainment, and holiday spirit encourages community members to come together and support one another.
The success of the event is made possible through the joint efforts of the West Johnston FFA Alumni chapter and the current FFA officer team. From planning and organization to setup and cleanup, the event is completely coordinated by these dedicated members. The West Johnston FFA chapter also hosts its own booth, where students sell items they have created through their agricultural mechanics classes, as well as poinsettias from students in the horticulture program. The student-made products not only raise funds for the chapter but also highlight the hands-on learning opportunities provided through agricultural education.
Overall, the Alumni Whobilation Vendor Show serves as more than just a holiday event; it is a meaningful tradition that connects past and present FFA members while strengthening the bond between the chapter and the community it serves.
