COLUMBIA - About 3,400 shoppers walked through the doors of Columbia Expo Center for the 21st Annual King Daughters Holiday Festival. Shoppers got an early start on holiday shopping. There were also more than 100 vendors at the weekend event.

Laura Howland drove in from St. Louis to sell her customized wreaths.

"I want to get my name out," Howland said. "I have been in the business a few years."

Howland says this is the only event she goes to because of the uniqueness of her products and the money goes to a good cause.

"I am here because it is a charity event and I shop just like everyone else," Howland said.

The King's Daughters Holiday Festival raised money to support their Dental Aid Program and the retirement home they own in Mexico, Mo. The organization raised money through ticket sales and registration fees. Rose Porter bought a ticket to the event.

"I have five grandchildren and I am here shopping to see what I can send them," Porter said.

Porter has grandchildren in Australia and England so she needs to get her shopping done extra early.

"In fact, this is kind of late for me," Porter said. "I usually have my stuff mailed but I thought I would make one round today."

Porter bought customized sing-a-longs that mention the child's name numerous times in the song.

Porter said the gifts will be in the mail very soon.