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 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.”
Joining Market Noel’s camp of new vendors is Merry Cheese Crisps, a Birmingham-based company selling a new spin on a Southern favorite, the cheese straw. Meredith McMillan, the company’s founder and a Mountain Brook resident, is excited to be sharing her crisps at Market Noel.
“The crisps are a variation on an old family recipe that I made growing up with my mom,” McMillan said. “The flavor is sharp but not too spicy. Kids love them too.”
All proceeds from Market Noel will support the 34 community projects of JLB, including Girls Inc.’s Mother-Daughter Connection and Teen Leadership programs, which prepare girls of diverse backgrounds to become productive members of society by providing a safe place to learn and grow with the freedom to take risks and try new things without fear of criticism. The Teen Leadership Program offers fun, educational and social opportunities for high school girls through classes, workshops, field trips and presentations by professional women in the community. Topics for the events have included Mean Girls, a Healthy Me workshop, Teen Dating Violence and College/Career Preparation.
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
Market Noel
Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Nov. 21-22, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
$12 general admission