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Junior League seeks vendors for Holiday Market

Published December 17th, 2006 | Added December 17th, 2006 11:24 pm | 0 Comments

Julie Gunn (left) and Leslie May will co-chair the Junior League of Kingsport's 2007 Holiday Market scheduled for October. They are seeking local vendors to participate. Photo by Erica Yoon.

Christmas 2006 isn't for another week, but members of the Junior League of Kingsport are already looking toward Christmas 2007.

For the first time next October, Junior League will host the 2007 Holiday Market.

"Junior Leagues are well-known for holiday markets," said Leslie May, JLK's Holiday Market chairwoman. "That's one of their signature projects. We felt like there was a need in the community for more upscale, unique gifts, home items, crafts, arts. What we've found is that lots and lots of people in this area go other places to find those types of items, and we want to bring them here and we know there's lots and lots of talent in this area. And that's what we're looking for."

The 2007 Holiday Market will be held Oct. 12-14, 2007, at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center and will feature fine arts, gifts and collectibles. Applications are available now for vendors interested in participating.

"We have numerous vendors from throughout the Southeast who are coming who have done shows in Winston Salem; Dallas; Jackson Miss., but they've not come to anywhere in this area. We think we are going to have the unique gifts and gourmet foods that you are not going to get in Abingdon, Rogersville or Erwin. It's a juried show. We have a committee that is selecting from the applications," May said.

Between 70 and 100 vendors are expected to be invited, she said.

"We have gone to numerous of these markets throughout the Southeast," she said. "We want this to be a different event from anything that's been around here. It's going to be very festive and very decorated for the holiday season. People need to know a long time in advance to get this on their calendars.

The event will open with a preview party, featuring gourmet hors d'oeuvres and live music is planned

The event will benefit holiday shoppers who want to get an early start, and it will serve as a fund-raiser for a local charitable organization.

"All of Junior League is non-profit and everything we make goes back to the community," May said. "Our goal is to help women and children."

JLK had considered doing a holiday market in past years, but wasn't able to make it a reality.

"It seems the time is right. We've got that great convention center. It's easy for vendors to use. They looked into it seven or eight years ago and what they didn't realize was that they had to prepare so far in advance," May said. "It's a really huge event to do correctly."

To receive an application, call the JLK office at 245-1321; May at 534-7814, co-chair Julie Gunn at 782-7188; visit www.jlkingsport.org; or e-mail www.jlkpt@earthlink.net.

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