By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

ALABASTER – Early Christmas shoppers can start gift hunting at the Westwood Baptist Church Women’s Business Expo, which will feature everything from handmade jewelry and children’s clothing to candles and wooden crosses.

The expo will be held at Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster Oct. 18 from 5-8 p.m.

“This is our third annual expo,” said Barbara Haynie, women’s ministry coordinator. “Most of our vendors are women of Westwood who have businesses.”

Vendors will provide items for the expo’s silent auction.

“There is a fee to participate, but we don’t take a percentage of what they sell. We do charge a $15 booth fee,” Haynie said. “We do this to support the ministries of the women’s ministry events. We use proceeds to help moms who need childcare for Bible studies and other events we offer.”

The expo grows every year, Haynie said.

“It’s just a good way for women to get their products out into the larger community,” Haynie said. “We do have a few vendors that are not members of our church. For example, the woman that does the old wooden crosses, she lives in Tennessee, but her sister is a member.”

Haynie said the expo grows from word of mouth.

“Get your Christmas shopping done early or just start Christmas shopping early,” Haynie said.

To reserve a booth, contact Holly Baylis at hbaylis@bellsouth.net or Barbara Haynie at b2haynie@charter.net.

Westwood Baptist Church is located at 1155 Alabaster Blvd. in Alabaster. For more information, visit Ewestwood.org.