Chattanooga Market takes a bow with two-day outdoor event - Nov. 23-24

Thursday, November 21, 2013

The Chattanooga Market is winding down its 2013 outdoor season with a two-day market this Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23-24.

"[It's] one last weekend," says Melissa Siragusa, market spokeswoman. "We are closed Sunday after Thanksgiving and then move to the [Chattanooga] Convention Center for the Holiday Market," she says. "There will be over 150 vendors each day [at the holiday market] with an emphasis on holiday gift-buying. We'll have holiday music and various food sampling."

Still, the last open-air market of 2013 will offer plenty of food and gift selections ideal for holiday dinners and gift-giving. The two-day event will feature locally baked breads, cheeses, meats, homemade desserts and winter produce.

"Farms are backing off a bit now. It's close to the end of growing season for many farmers," Siragusa says. "Our hope is to entice folks to buy local baked goods, etc., for their Thanksgiving week meals and also to begin their gift-buying before the typical Black Friday [shopping day on Nov. 19]."

Siragusa says market officials encourage shoppers to support the local economy by supporting the vendors.

This final outdoor market is a tradition for Chattanoogans, Siragusa says. It's a chilly weekend filled with a holiday atmosphere and the chance to explore new vendors and products.

The market will be closed Dec. 1 in preparation for the Holiday Market that will move indoors to the convention center for three weekends, Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22.

Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.

IF YOU GO* What: Thanksgiving Market at Chattanooga Market.* When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23-24.* Where: First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Reggie White Blvd.* Admission: Free.* Phone: 423-402-9958.* Website: www.chattanoogamarket.com.ON THE EPB STAGE* 12:30 p.m. Mason Dixieland Line