The year: 1949. It was a monumental year for Indianapolis; the first live television broadcast from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hit the airwaves. On 38th Street, the Meadows Apartments were quite chic and the economic mood was upbeat and cheerful And, in early November, the Christmas Gift and Hobby Show had its inaugural opening.

In those days before enclosed shopping malls and one-stop superstores, the show was an instant success, says Todd Jameson, the current show director for HSI Productions.

"It started as predominantly a hobby show at a time when every company had its own hobby club," Jameson says of the post-WWII era event. "Hobbies were a very big thing. Men were back from the war, they had free time, a new appreciation for life and discretionary income." Ed Schoenberger and wife Thelma established the show in 1949 inviting the corporate hobby clubs to show off their stuff. Also there were a wide array of vendors - from local appliance dealers to national specialty shops - providing the shopping experience of the season.

"People would travel from miles away to attend," says Jameson. and the trip was usually worth it - an annual Christmas parade accompanied the event and Santa arrived among much hoopla ... sometimes in a helicopter. 

The Christmas Gift and Hobby Show had changed a bit a bit in recent years - people no longer relied on it as their primary source to purchase holiday gifts and or check out hobby clubs and materials,  model cars and coin collecting had taken a back seat to video games.and the advent of shopping malls provide a one - stop experience year round. However, with renewed enthusiasm and a national movement of community and family activities (like hobbies), the 2001 Christmas Gift and Hobby Show has been dubbed "the show that's new again."

Jameson admits it has been a challenge to balance the mix of products and services exhibited at the event and the special
features used to entertain our show visitors. 

"Ed and Thelma were innovators," he says, "and I find myself impressed with the many features they were able to incorporate into the event over the years."

 However, HSI Show Productions will offer a full menu of exhibitors and activities  to the projected 50,000-plus who attend the five-day event at the newly remodeled West Pavilion of the Indiana State Fair Grounds.

According to Jameson, this year's Christmas Gift and Hobby Show's 300 exhibitors will offer everything from affordable novelty items to one-of-a-kind, treasures, exclusive to the show. The production company that also produces the Indiana Flower and Patio Show each spring is determined to attract a more diverse, larger audience with a bevy of interactive activities, entertainment and high quality vendors.

"The show had really grown into a women's event during the last several years," says Jameson. "This year, we've worked hard to make sure the show had things that would appeal to men as well as women."

Among those attractions, HobbyTown USA will occupy 1,600 square feet of space that will include a remote control car track welcoming visitors to try their hand at "racing the oval". In addition, Track Attack will be giving away a Track Attack Racing Adventure, session worth $400 each day of the show. The lucky winner will receive a "live the dream" package in which the participant can "get in the driver's seat" and learn the ins and outs of motorsport.

Another interactive spot that promises to attract the younger set is a "make it and take it" area at which the kids can create their own holiday decorations.

HSI is also putting a special emphasis on local exhibitors this year. HHGregg and Indianapolis Monthly magazine will be presenting "A Touch of Taste," daily featuring area chefs and their favorite holiday recipes. Viking Sewing Galleries, Joann Etc., Meridian Music, The Corner Gourmet and Schumaker Performance will also be on hand with some special exhibits.

And, getting back to the show's original intent, several hobby clubs will be on hand with demonstrations.

"There will be several things this year that attendees haven't necessarily seen here in many years," says Jameson.

Entertainment has always been a lively part of the Show, and this year the Christmas Theatre will be swingin' with Tommy Wills, the "Man with the Horn." For those who feel the need to cut the rug, Let's Dance and Simply Ballroom will be holding group classes twice daily. In addition, McNamara Florists will be doing fresh floral designs daily and JP Parker Co.will (be creating "treasures from trash" featuring various painting techniques and teaching visitors the latest in dried floral arranging) demonstrate faux painting techniques and dried floral arrangements - one of the most popular hobbies in Central Indiana. And a host of local performers - including the Hoosier Children's Choir and the Greenwood Glitter Girls - will be on hand.

Back again this year is "Treeboy." He will be on hand taking donations for the Toys for Tots program. The Indianapolis native and home improvement specialist has a special place in his heart for this Marine-sponsored event as his son recently enlisted in the Marines. This year  Treeboy's Truck will be parked close to Santa to collect new toys for those less fortunate children.

Of course Santa will be near the traditional Christmas tree centerpiece of the show - and actually, this year's event features two trees rather than one. Providing the decor this year will be the Warren Holiday TreeFest committee.  The TreeFest is, a fundraiser for the Warren Arts and Education Foundation.

In addition, Todd Meyer of Meyer's Design will create a "Winter Wonderland" at the west entrance of the West Pavilion. The landscaped area will put attendees in a festive, holiday mood as they enter the newly redecorated and renovated location.

"The Christmas Gift & Hobby Show is a place where people from all walks of life, all traditions, can begin the celebrating of the holidays, prepare their homes," says Jameson. "We are returning to our roots and the format that made this event a household word in Indianapolis - an event everyone could enjoy. Truly, there's something there for everyone."