The 23rd Annual Mistletoe Market bringing more than 50 local vendors to Cookeville this weekend, helping nonprofit organizations across the Upper Cumberland.
Facilities Director Kathryn Molina said proceeds from the Friday and Saturday event help Leslie Town Centre offer discounted rental rates to local non-profits.
“Our goal is to have a facility where these nonprofits can come and raise the most amount of money that they possibly can to put into their organizations,” Molina said. “Here in the Upper Cumberland region, there are so many phenomenal nonprofits.”
Molina said more than 50 different nonprofit organizations use the centre annually, accounting for approximately 30 to 40 percent of its events. The Leslie Town Centre also operates as a nonprofit.
Molina said the market also gives small businesses an opportunity to reach holiday shoppers, including vendors who operate without permanent storefronts or are saving money to open their own retail locations.
“We really pride ourselves in working with the community and trying to get as many community members out here to come shop small, keep it small, keep it in the county, and just really support these businesses that really need it this Christmas season,” Molina said.
Molina said shoppers will find boutique clothing, jewelry, handcrafted wood products, coffee and other gifts. Molina said Tally Town Girls will offer locally themed towels and wrapping paper featuring Putnam County and Tennessee Tech designs, while CityScape will sell its newly released ornaments.
“Get it done early, get it done before the crowds and keep it local,” Molina said. “Keep it into these small businesses that need the money, they need the help, they need the support, so come out and support them.”
Molina said the market will also feature food trucks, door prizes and swag bags for the first 25 attendees each day.
Mistletoe Market runs Friday from 9am-7pm and Saturday from 9am-5pm at the Leslie Town Centre in Cookeville.