Special to The Hays Daily News

Enjoy the fun, refreshments and food samples at Kansas Originals Market and Gallery as it kicks off the holiday season with a Christmas open house from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Kansas Originals, located at Interstate 70 Wilson Exit 206, is well-known for its unique gifts and crafts -- ranging from Ma's homemade salsas to hand-crafted furniture -- all made by Kansans.

Several of the authors and artists who display their goods at Kansas Originals will be in attendance for the open house. Available to visit with customers will be:

* Michelle Weigel, who specializes in ceramic Christmas ornaments, cone bells and teacup bird feeders and lights. Weigel hand paints each item so they are all uniquely made.

* Angela Bates, author, will be featuring her new book, "Getting Mail: The Adventures of Nicodemus Annie."

* Rojean Loucks will be on hand playing live harp music. Her latest CD releases are titled, "Quite Place," "Tranquility Noel," and "Alleluia." Loucks is a private instructor and certified as a music practitioner through Music for Healing a Transition Program.

* Jerry Ostermann is a design engineer who loves photography and has found a unique way to expose the hidden beauty in common objects in photographic art.

* Helen Aust, a crafter for more than 30 years, will be displaying her popular fabric purses.

* Carolyn Hall will be available for signing her latest book, "Prairie Meals and Memories."

* Paul and Mary Roper, crafters, will display a variety of items from small cutting boards to babyback bibs, children's aprons and Christmas items.

* Troy Thompson of T&T food service will have available a sampling his line of barbecue sauce, catsup and mustard. His products can be used as a marinade, sandwich spread, for sipping or accompaniment to many food items.

* Mary Moore McKown, artist, will be showing her paintings in the style of Grandma Moses.

Kansas Originals is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Customers can shop online at kansasoriginals.com.