Two women help set up for the YWCA’s Mistletoe Mart by creating a festive holiday atmosphere with Christmas decorations. The fundraising event will take place next Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Submitted photo

From the 1960s to the mid-1990s, the YWCA’s Mistletoe Mart was as much a part of the Christmas tradition in Jamestown as setting up the tree or hanging Christmas lights. It provided a one-stop shop to get an early start on holiday shopping while supporting both area vendors and the Jamestown YWCA. And just like that, the annual tradition was gone. But after a seven-year hiatus, the Mistletoe Mart returned in 2004, and next Friday and Saturday will mark the sixth year the event has reminded the public that Christmas really is just around the corner. With the help of Cynthia Young, who was one of the key individuals to bring back the annual fundraiser for the YWCA, the Mistletoe Mart returned to Jamestown bigger and better than it was in the ’90s. The event is now advertised more effectively, and new attractions have been added like a giveaway and bake sal.