A new kind of Market
Junior League rebrands annual shopping event
Shoppers can kick off the holiday shopping season the weekend before Thanksgiving with a new take on a long-standing tradition.
The Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) has christened a new name and logo for its annual holiday market — Market Noel. The event will welcome more than 100 local and national merchants to set up shop in the conveniently located Cahaba Grand Conference Center as familiar strains of Christmas music play.
“The rebrand has attracted a lot of new vendors,” said Mary Evans, Market Noel chair. “Our hope is to keep old favorites while bringing in fresh, new merchandise from around the country.”
A hometown favorite, My Messy Monkeys, will be back for the third year. My Messy Monkeys is made up of Shelby County resident Jan Padalino and her daughters, Meredith Haughton and Lauren Nichols, both of whom are JLB members. They carry girls clothing in sizes from newborn to 14 and boys clothing ranging from newborn to 4T. Some of the designer brands offered include Isobella and Chloe, Royal Child, Luigi, Beehave, Rosalina, Petit Ami, Vive La Fete, Molly and Millie, and Mom & Me, which range from $20 to $60.
Haughton said they look forward to the event because this is their hometown, and they always enjoy seeing their loyal customers face-to-face.
Returning to the Cahaba Grand Conference Center for the fifth consecutive year, the festivities begin Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. with a merry Sneak Peek party with hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer tastings, and the chance to win a one-carat diamond with purchase of a glass of champagne.
General admission shopping runs Nov. 21-23 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday.
Highlights of the week include Market Morning, featuring country music singer Sara Evans, and a book signing by Homewood’s own Father Goose, Charles Ghigna, and his wife, Debra. Ghigna, a nationally renowned poet and author, has recently co-written a children’s book with his wife, titled Christmas is Coming! Both authors will be on hand to sign copies of their latest book.
On Friday, John Croyle of the Big Oak Ranch will be signing copies of his book, The Two-Minute Drill to Manhood: A Proven Game Plan for Raising Sons, a holiday gift for any father on your list. On Saturday, families can enjoy free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Visit marketnoel.net to purchase tickets and to review a complete listing of participating merchants and event details. Tickets are also available at the door, and all special event tickets include admission for shopping.
You can also find Market Noel at facebook.com/MarketNoel, JLBirmingham Pinterest or #jlbmarketnoel on Twitter.
-Submitted by the Junior League of Birmingham