"It's a real country Christmas at a real country store," replied Don Sorensen when I asked what makes their Christmas sale at Virgelle Mercantile special. The event will take place this Saturday and Sunday (December 4th and 5th). It has been held at Virgelle Mercantile since 1976 and typically draws a large crowd from as far north as Canada and as far south as Wyoming. In fact, in the weeks preceding the sale, Don described the shop seeing "trainloads" of dedicated antique hunters scouting for furniture and other treasures to purchase when the prices drop for the sale. It is part of the Chouteau County Country Christmas weekend event, which presents itself as an opportunity to "Experience Christmas festivities with a historic flair." The weekend shopping attractions span from Big Sandy to Fort Benton to Shonkin to Geraldine with all sorts of stops in between.
The lower prices are one of the big draws for the event, with all sorts of bargains to be found. Beyond the sale prices, the Christmas sale is also an opportunity for members of the community to gather and socialize with their neighbors and fellow antique shoppers. Don pointed out that though they don't have time to socialize and visit with everybody who comes through, but that doesn't stop friends and neighbors from gathering to chat. Don joked that sometimes that happens in the middle of the road, requiring a little nudge to clear the way for traffic.
The traditional snacks and fare offered by the old wood cook stove is a major attraction for many of the visitors to the sale. A steaming cup of hot apple cider helps bring on the Christmas mood for many, while other opt for a Tom & Jerry to bring on the spirit of the season. Perhaps one of the biggest attractions is the caramel popcorn balls, whose recipe is exclusive to the Virgelle kitchen. People often comment that they love the popcorn balls and look forward to them every year. Other seasonal treats include Christmas cookies, various cheeses, ham, and other favorites. According to Don, hanging out in the kitchen, talking, and eating are all some folks come to the sale to do.
The decorations are another attraction that adds to the Country Christmas atmosphere, with the weeks preceding the event filled with decorating, putting up trees, and preparing Christmas treats. Part of the reason for the popularity of the Christmas sale is that the Victorian era antiques are especially popular right now. The heart of those type of collectables is the 1900s era antiques that the Mercantile carries. In particular, the Victorian Era antique market lends itself well to Christmas decorations and theming. This draws quite a crowd just to soak up the lovely sights and sounds of the vintage Christmas season.
This years sale is a return of the event after it was cancelled last year due to lockdowns. The Christmas sale, along with the Flea Market in the summer, are the two biggest events in the Virgelle calendar year. It is not unusual for between 2000 and 3000 visitors to pass through the Mercantile for Christmas fare. It is an excellent opportunity for Big Sandy residents to support a local business, enjoy some good food and drinks, and gather together.
