2023 USJ’s Holiday Mart comes to a close
JACKSON, Tenn.—What started out as a craft and antique show has grown into a fun event where people now shop til’ they drop.
Today, was the last day to participate in the 53rd Holiday Mart.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Civic Center to shop for their favorite baked goods, nutmeg, and even get a picture with Santa.
The event is hosted by the University School of Jackson and it’s their largest fundraiser.
Thanks to their sponsors, Cadence Bank, Susan Cox Development, First Horizon Advisors and West TN Bone and Joint, USJ was able to not just make a profit, but help to support the students.
We spoke with one of the four chairs of Holiday Mart, Molly Richardson, and she stated that this event brings her, as well as others, so much joy.
“You walk in and you see the gorgeous trees and the nutcrackers. Everybody’s happy and you smell the smells of Christmas and it’s just a great way to start the Christmas season,” Richardson said.
This event had three floors of purchasable items.
Cookies, nutmeg, jewelry, and clothes were offered at this shopping mart.
A children’s section was available on the 2nd floor to give kids the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and make a cute Christmas list to send to the North Pole.
Drawings from 4th and 5th grade students were included on Santa’s wall with ribbons that some kids received for their art work.
Richardson is so proud of the growth of this event over the years.
“We have grown over the years. We have a waiting list of vendors and the vendors love it. They come back every year and so, as they’re packing up today, they are saying see you next year, we can’t wait,” Richardson said.
All of the proceeds go to USJ for the kids.
So far, they have created a playground for the lower school and obtained a new bus for athletes.
Richardson stated that this event will be back next year the week before Thanksgiving.
Find more local news stories here.
