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Early holiday birds flock to Nutcracker Market
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Reliant Center became the beacon for holiday shoppers as the Nutcracker Market opened for business Thursday morning. Thousands of shoppers mingled through a myriad of items, food and entertainment activities on opening day.
Seeing sure was believing at Reliant Center, as the color red permeated the vast shopping hall. From crystal bottle stoppers to jewelry to leather goods to wreaths and more, there was little that shoppers couldn't find for sale. Let's not forget the confections, barbecue and ice cream available to satisfy hungry appetites.
Many of the shoppers were women, with some of the men taking an available seat and waiting patiently. Others didn't mind taking a seat on the hall floor to eat or rest. Talk about "shop 'til you drop." Quite a sight.
More than 300 vendors assemble at Reliant to market their goods to Houston consumers. "Since 1981, the Nutcracker Market has contributed over $26 million to Houston Ballet Foundation to support its academy and scholarship programs," according to the Houston Ballet's Web site.
In spite of a challenging economic outlook, the Nutcracker Market appears to be on pace to approach the $11 million in gross sales from the previous year, from which the Houston Ballet receives a percentage of the proceeds. The four-day annual event concludes Sunday.
