With all of the hard work and time we put into the holiday season, it's sad to see it come and go so fast. The Fingerlakes Mall was definitely the place to be with as many activities, events and entertainment going on in the month of December. Unfortunately Santa has headed back to the North Pole but will return again this year to meet with all of the boys and girls that came to see him last year. Let's not forget all of the animals that had a chance to tell Santa what they wanted under their tree as well during Santa's Pet Photo days.

Our annual Christmas Charity Raffle held during Midnight Madness Saturday, Dec. 22, ended the season with a blast as 11 local charities raffled off the hot items that everyone wanted. West Middle School raffled a $100 cash lottery tree, VFW Post No. 1975 raffled a 19-inch TV and DVD player, Warm the Children (The Citizen) raffled an iPod Touch, The Children's Miracle Network raffled a Nintendo Wii, St. Alphonsus CYO raffled a $200 Lottery Tree, St. Joseph's School raffled a $200 gift party at Creation Station, SS. Peter and Paul School raffled a diamond necklace from Littman Jewelers, Junior Achievement of CNY raffled a portable GPS navigation system, St. Francis CYO raffled a large amount of assorted gift cards, Throopesville Food Pantry raffled a money tree and a gift card tree and Union Springs raffled a touch screen iPod.

Also that night, East Middle School National Junior Honor Society sold handmade ornaments to benefit Warm the Children.

Along with Total Entertainment DJ's, who provided the entertainment this evening, we would like to thank all of the participants as well as congratulate all of the winners.

Andrew Stuart who is a phenomenal pianist visited us twice this year to share his music with our shoppers. We also welcomed back Skaneateles Middle School, Port Byron's fifth- and sixth-grade choir, Judah's Flock Dance Team, Calvary Baptist Church and By Faith Christian Center Church.

Their beautiful music certainly added to the festive atmosphere this year, and we appreciate them taking the time to share their talent with us.

Our shoppers were very generous donating money to the Salvation Army bell ringers and the Toys for Tots. We'd like to thank all of you who donated to such a worthy cause.

We were happy to accommodate your shopping needs by providing mall-wide gift cards located at our Customer Service Center, along with a gift wrapping service. The gift cards and wrapping service will be available on a daily basis at the Fingerlakes Mall at the Customer Service Center.

The activities at the Fingerlakes Mall never slow down. In January you can spend some of your Christmas money and gift cards during Sidewalk Sales, which run Jan. 19 through 21.

Shoppers will find bargains galore on winter clearance clothing, books, home decor, beauty supplies, electronics and jewelry.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County will once again host its Produced in NY Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. Students from the 4H program create recipes with ingredients grown right here in New York state. The students then make those recipes at the Fingerlakes Mall on the 19th and are judged by a panel of experts. This is a great event and is highly recommended you to stop by and watch these future chef's in action.

The Sunburst Beauty Pageant will return to the mall at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible. Applications will be available at the mall customer service center and for more information you can visit www.sunburst beauty.com. We look forward to seeing the beautiful children in their dressiest clothes and big smiles.

Brides remember to mark March 2 on your calendar for our annual Bridal Expo. You'll get advice from the experts on how to make your wedding day as special as can be. Any businesses that are interested in participating in the Bridal Show can call 255-1188.

To stay informed on all of our upcoming events or, if you would like to hold an event, visit our Web site at www.fingerlakesmall.com.

All of us here at the Fingerlakes Mall hope you all had a very happy new year.

Tracie Murphy is the marketing manager for the Fingerlakes Mall.