Marketplace kicks off holiday shopping season, benefits Safe Kids

GAINESVILLE — The rainy weather did not deter the excitement of hundreds of shoppers who were waiting Friday for the doors to open for the annual Marketplace event at the Gainesville Civic Center.

The annual event is presented by The Medical Center Auxiliary and features more than 80 merchants from seven states. Proceeds from the 2015 Marketplace will go to Safe Kids Gainesville-Hall Count, an agency that works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the number one killer of children ages 14 and under.

AccessWDUN's David Cook visited the Civic Center Friday morning and captured some of the Marketplace activities on camera.

Marketplace remains open Friday until 6:30 p.m. and will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 7. Tickets are $5 per person with children 12 and under admitted free.

Crowds mingle on the main floor of the Gainesville Civic Center during the opening minutes of the 2015 Marketplace.

Merchant Christy Beasley works on original art as she waits for customers to visit her booth.

Billie's Pecans is an annual favorite at Marketplace.

Shoppers look for unique clothing items each year at Marketplace.

These ladies look for the latest fashions among the Marketplace booths.

A steady stream of shoppers navigates the stairs at the Gainesville Civic Center during the 2015 Marketplace.

Shoppers rest and grab a little lunch in one of the two cafes at the event.

Handcrafted jewelry from local artisans is always a big seller at Marketplace.

Marketplace is one of the first places Gainesville shoppers look for Christmas decor each year.

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