The North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce has selected its official artwork for the 33rd annual Christmas Fest, set for Dec. 11-12 in downtown Bay Minette. The design selected is once again by Marlee Long, the winner of last year’s contest.

“It's awesome to have won again! I'd be happy with anyone winning the contest because I love all of the artists’ work, but of course it's always an honor to see people wearing my artwork,” Long said.

Long said she really enjoys designing T-shirts and coming up with ideas for Christmas Fest, a long-time tradition in her hometown. “Christmas is such a broad topic so, of course, I draw a billion things before deciding on something. I wanted to do something fun and somewhat traditional with cool colors to represent the Christmas theme,” she said.

In the end, nostalgia played a big role in her design choice.

“One thing that sticks out to me and really screams Christmas is going to the tree farm to pick out a tree to decorate. I wanted to do an old fashioned looking car with a tree tied to the top to show that specific memory,” she said. “I hope that the design brings back that memory for everyone, or maybe makes them want to buy a tree and get in the Christmas spirit!”

Kristina Angelone, NBCC Member and Project Manager, said Long captured the spirit of the season.

“Her nostalgic design truly adds to the warmth of the holiday season. We knew it was special the moment we saw it and we've been receiving compliments on it since we announced the winning design,” Angelone said. “Marlee has a true gift for capturing what we were looking for and we appreciate her hard work.”

Angelone also credits the design with inspiring the return of a Christmas Fest favorite: the antique car show. Marvin Corley of Corley’s Automotive is helping to recruit car aficionados to participate in the exhibit.

Orders are now being accepted for the annual Christmas Fest T-shirts. The cost is $12 for youth sizes and $15 for adult sizes. Order forms can be found online at www.northbaldwinchamber.com. For more details about the annual festival, T-shirt orders or the antique car show, call Kristina Angelone at the chamber 251-937-5665, Ext. 3.