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The Montevallo Arts Collaborative is set to host its second annual Merry Market on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Montevallo High School practice field. (Contributed)

By RACHEL RAIFORD | Staff Writer 

MONTEVALLO – The Montevallo Arts Collaborative is set to host its second annual Merry Market on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Montevallo High School practice field. 

Last year, there were nearly 30 arts and crafts booths nestled in a corner off of Main Street by C’s Cakes and Coffee House. This year, with a larger location, there’s expected to be more than 40 booths set up at the event. Vendor applications are currently being accepted for the 62 available spots. 

Melanie Poole, president of the arts collaborative, said that there is already a diverse group of vendors signed up for the event. 

“We have 30 artists signed up, but there’s still plenty of time for more additions,” Poole said. “We will have artists displaying textiles, paintings, jewelry, pottery, crochet— really anything you could think of.” 

Poole also mentioned that there will be some activities for children, such as face painting, and Santa Claus will also be in attendance handing out candy canes and posing for pictures. 

The Montevallo Arts Collaborative also plays a key role in the planning of the Montevallo Arts Stalk in October and the Arts Fest in the spring. The first Merry Market came to be after discussions of a holiday market were brought to the table. 

“A holiday market is something that we really wanted to add to our agenda,” Poole said. “We thought that Shop Local Saturday would be the perfect day to plan it for.” 

Nov. 30 is Shop Local Saturday, a holiday shopping day designated for people to support small businesses the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 

“People will already be out in the downtown area shopping, and they can stop by the Merry Market to support local artists during their shopping,” Poole said. 

Local artists Tim Tingle, Tonia Mayton and Lorrie Ardovino will be there in addition to many others. Poole expects it to be a cheerful, fun day for everyone. 

“In addition to the works our vendors will have displayed, there will be a holiday atmosphere and special touches added to the downtown area,” Poole said. 

Vendor applications will be accepted until Monday, Nov. 11. Those interested may visit the Montevallo Arts Collaborative Facebook page for more information. 

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