The Candy Cane Christmas, a Gift Market by the Bay, held Dec. 3 was more than a fun day out with the family, more than a good opportunity to browse art and buy gifts. While it was all those things, the Candy Cane Christmas has a bigger purpose – to raise funds and awareness for adoption and Children of the World.

 Children of the World is an international adoption and relief agency in Fairhope that handles domestic and international adoption. According to Terri Thompson, adoption coordinator for Russia, the agency can help you through the entire adoption process. Members of their staff have been through the process as well.

 This year’s Candy Cane Christmas was the sixth annual for the event, and Thompson felt it was better attended and more successful than in previous years.

 “Every year it gets better – more people attend and it gets better and better,” she said. “We feel like it was a very hugely successful event.”

 And, it was successful in all aspects. Thompson said that the event raised several thousand dollars with at least a thousand people in attendance. They were able to talk to a lot of people about adoption, and the vendors were happy with how they did and are already applying for next year. Shoppers were thrilled with the gifts that were available to purchase. They event even sold out of some of the food.

 They also hosted a pet adoption during the event.

 Throughout the day’s event, speakers talked about adoption. From families to adoption officials, those interested were able to get a good feel of the process. Many were interested in talking about adoption further and at least one family planned to turn in an application.

 “Even if one person finds out I feel like it’s successful,” Thompson said.

 If you missed the event this year, you can go ahead and place Dec. 1 on your calendar for next year’s event, scheduled to be held again at the James P. Nix Center in Fairhope.

 “We’re looking for next year to be even bigger and better,” said Thompson. “Every year we want it to be better.”

 To continue its fundraising efforts, Children of the World will also host a fish fry and yard sale later in the year. It’s usually in May but keep an eye on childrenoftheworld.com for more information as it’s released.