Christmas and the holiday season came a bit early this season at the Mattoon Market. The market held its 3rd annual giant stocking giveaway on Dec. 6. Co-Owner Carmin Grall was pleased with the turnout of the event, “I was a little nervous with all the people in the store at once,” Grall said. “But the stocking giveaway went really well.”

Grall and her husband and Co-Owner, Ron, took over the Mattoon Market in 2011 and since have started a new tradition with the stocking giveaway. In years past the previous owners of the Antigo Area Shopper would leave the stocking at the Mattoon Market for people to enter to win it. The giveaway would then take place at the Mattoon holiday fair. This year, Carmin and Ron decided to have the stocking giveaway take place at their store instead. It was a great way for the Grall’s to get people into the market, “it was great,” Grall said. “There were lots of people around and doing some shopping while waiting for the drawing.”

This year’s  stocking was filled with a number of different treats and gifts including: a puzzle from the Disney movie Frozen, the Disney movie High School Musical, stuffed animals and other Christmas decor. This year’s winner was Julia Wolf.