Photo courtesy of Made in the Deep South.
A model wears Made in the Deep South jewelry designed by Vestavia Hills resident Michela Swafford.
Big changes are coming this year for one of the Birmingham area’s biggest holiday fundraisers.
The Junior League of Birmingham is moving its Market Noel shopping event back to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. The return to this larger shopping venue will feature more than 100 vendors, including a few from Vestavia Hills.
Vestavia Hills residents may already be familiar with the popular local jewelry line Made in the Deep South. The jewelry line was founded and designed by local Michela Swafford. This will be her fifth year to sell her designs at Market Noel.
“The rest of the year we strictly do ‘to the trade,’ wholesale shows. [Market Noel] is the one time a year I get to engage with the actual clients and really, truly listen to the amazing ladies wearing my designs,” said Swafford. “The experience sparks my imagination, leads me to changes for the better and reignites my enthusiasm for design.”
Shoppers visiting Market Noel can expect to see other unique, handcrafted art, clothing and goods from across the South.
In recent years the league held Market Noel at the Cahaba Grand on Highway 280. Earlier this year the Church of the Highlands purchased the Cahaba Grand, and the Junior League decided to move its annual fundraiser to the BJCC.
Market Noel is also a little later this year with the show running from Nov. 30 through Dec. 3.
Proceeds from Market Noel will benefit the Junior League of Birmingham’s 35 community projects that work to improve the lives of women and children throughout the Birmingham area. Swafford said the charitable goal of Market Noel is a big reason why she returns year after year.
“Made in the Deep South is always looking for a way that we can enrich our community and other communities that reach out to us,” said Swafford.
The shopping begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 30 with the Preview Noel party with hors d’oeuvres, signature swag bags, private shopping and a silent auction featuring big ticket items from Bromberg’s and Alabama Outdoors.
Diamonds Direct will sponsor the popular Diamond Drop, where one winner will walk away with a diamond pendent valued at $5,000. While the ladies shop, the men are invited to a biergarten in the “Man Cave.” The biergarten will feature regional craft beers and hometown favorite, Good People Brewing Company. Those looking for something a little harder can enjoy a bourbon tasting provided by Dram restaurant.
General admission shopping takes places Dec. 1 through Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Highlights of the week include a girls’ night out with a beauty bar from Tonya Jones Salon and a chance to win a treatment package from Dr. Jason Jack of Plastic Surgery Specialists at Market Bliss on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A fashion show, “Rock the Runway – Couture for a Cause” will be hosted by Lilly Pulitzer and will take place Saturday.
Visit marketnoel.com to purchase tickets and review a complete listing of participating merchants and event details. Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/MarketNoel, Instagram @jlbmarketnoel and on Twitter @JLBirmingham. Tickets are available at the door. All special event tickets include admission for shopping.
Regions is the presenting sponsor of Market Noel.
– Submitted by Junior League of Birmingham.
