Shoppers throughout the Birmingham and Shelby County are gearing up for the Junior League’s Market starting tomorrow.

The shopping extravaganza features a variety of vendors including art, apparel, accessories, gift items, home decor and gourmet food items from various retailers including vendors from Shelby County.

The show starts Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and runs through Saturday at 5 p.m. with special events like Sister Schubert’s Market Morning Brunch Thursday morning, an after–hours event Nov. 19, and Sweets with Santa on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Junior League representative Marolyn Barkan said with around 10,000 patrons coming to the show in the past, they expect around 12,000 at this year’s event.

Chelsea Lane, one of Shelby County’s local boutiques featured at The Market, is participating for the fourth year.

They have always had great response and could not resist being a part of this year’s festivities.

“We will have pre-wrapped ‘grab-n-go’ gifts, platters that can be ordered with the family name, and our new ‘Peace on Earth’ adult tees and much more for sale,” said Chelsea Lane worker, Judy Glass.

The biggest hit at this booth is sure to be their pecan pepper glaze, which is a hot selling item for the holiday season. Along with Chelsea Lane, another local participant is Fireflies and Fairytales. This will be their first year at the Market, but owner Mary Ann Hudson says they have always had success with their participation in the Shop, Save and Share Card.

“I have a friend in the Junior League, and we have been talking about participating in The Market for years,” Hudson says. “She finally convinced me to jump on board.”

One of their biggest items in the booth will be their Fireflies and Fairytales Originals collection.

“This collection is our biggest seller and the one we pride ourselves on. Proceeds from this line benefit the Fireflies and Fairytales Foundation, which helps children with problems that arise when losing a parent to cancer.”

Fireflies and Fairytales, who just wrapped up Christmas Village, are excited to engage with new customers. Hudson expects good things from their booth this weekend.

Other Shelby County vendors at the show will include McEwen and Sons Mill, Sew Precious, The Gingerbread Lady, J. Allens, Sweet Melissa’s Sauces and Seasonings, Eye Candy and Doo-Dads.

The Market is to be held at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center on U.S. 280. More details at JLBonline.com.

Jessica Vance can be reached by e–mail at jvance86@hotmail.com.