The 43rd Merry Marketplace opens Thursday at the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa. The Junior League of Odessa organizes the event, which runs through Sunday and includes vendors, music, champagne, food and Breakfast with Santa.
Premiere shopping starts Thursday night for ages 21 and up, with heavy hors d'oeuvres and drink tickets, according to Merry Marketplace Chair Sam Serrano. A new enclosed tent with food and a bar opens at 6 p.m. On Friday morning, a ladies-only Sip and Shop event for guests 21 and up begins with champagne. Sponsors enter at 8:30 a.m., individual ticket holders at 10 a.m., and the event ends at 1 p.m.
After 1 p.m. Friday, the marketplace opens to general admission ticket holders and closes at 7 p.m. Breakfast with Santa runs Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $10 each for adults and children, Serrano said. This year's marketplace has 88 vendors from Texas and out of state.