Local shoppers hoping to get an early start with their Christmas gift lists are invited to the annual Merry Meridian Market Saturday. 

The free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MSU Riley Center, according to Laura Carmichael, city of Meridian cultural affairs coordinator.

“We have so many wonderful vendors this year,” Carmichael said. “Our vendors are offering something for everyone including homemade crafts, jewelry, pottery, women’s clothing, beautiful gifts and so much more. You don’t want to miss this annual holiday tradition.”

The event features local and regional vendors with some coming from Alabama.

Also scheduled are Christmas caroling, ballet dancers performing Christmas routines, members of the Meridian Little Theatre performing scenes from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, and other special guests. Shoppers will also enjoy Santa’s photo booth, story time with Mayor Percy Bland, and a tacky Christmas sweater contest where the winner wins a $100 shopping spree to be used at the market.

New this year will be Black Bayou Swampwiches, a food truck located directly across from the market at Dumont Plaza. Black Bayou will be serving New Orleans fusion cuisine.  

For more information, call 601-485-1944.