Think you know TARC?

You may think you know about TARC, but what you don’t know is likely quite a lot.

The Terrebonne Association of Retarded Citizens organization is the birthplace of 16 local companies. The fruits of many of those businesses will be showcased Saturday, Nov. 13, at TARC’s 6th Annual Holiday Open House.

“The theme, ‘From Pumpkins to Poinsettias,’ encompasses everything from fall to Christmas,” said TARC Director of Marketing Erica Null.

Every product on display at the open house is handmade from scratch by talented, hard-working TARC participants.

Sample favorites such as Bon Terre Enterprises’ Pepper Jelly and Cajun Salsa or Sweet Sensations’ gourmet chocolates.

Sweet Scents’ premium scented candles and bath and body products will tickle the nose with delightful fragrances.

The Maison D’Art artists will have artwork on display and for sale and Grand Designs will feature custom-designed, screen-printed holiday T-shirts.

“Our latest venture is our cookbook with recipes from our staff, friends and families,” Null said.

The products and gift baskets will be set up inside the TARC Restaurant and Gift Shop at 1353 Grand Caillou Road.

Houma Grown greenhouse will have displays of plants and pots outside the store.

Once outside, find a seat and enjoy the sounds of the TARC Bell Choir.

“This is one of my favorite things to get me into the holiday spirit. They perform favorites like ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ or ‘Jingle Bells’ through the melodic sounds of the bells,” Null said.

The TARC Express house band will also perform.

“They love the sounds of Elvis and dance favorites. They really get a crowd going,” Null said.

Santa Claus will visit the open house arriving on a fire truck. Parents can take pictures of their children with Santa as he shows off his new sleigh.

Once they have their picture taken with Santa, the always-popular hayride will take the kids for a spin around the block.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the open house will still be on – just inside the restaurant.

There’s no admission to the open house. If parking at the restaurant is full, more is available on the TARC campus on McCord Road. Staff will be on hand to point the way.

The proceeds of the open house go back to the men and women of TARC.

“I think we’ve done a lot of growing – especially in the last few years. The reason we create all of these businesses is so they will have a job to come to fulfill a meaningful life,” Null said.

“If they’re interested in baking, we have a job for them. Or if they’re interested in working with tools, we have a job for them. If they like working outside with plants, we have a job for them. We’re here to serve them so they can foster any skill that they want,” she continued.

Null said a myth about TARC is that the campus buildings house residents.

“All those buildings are the separate businesses. One is the bakery, one is the sweets and candy department, and so on,” she explained.

See? There is a lot you didn’t know about TARC.

Come to the Holiday Open House Saturday, Nov. 13, beginning at 1 p.m., to enjoy sampling the delicious products, listening to the music and finding out more about a place you thought you already knew.

If you can’t make it to the open house, the same products are always on display and for sale in the TARC Restaurant and Gift Shop Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.