Now More Than Ever: Macon Centreplex to Host Georgia Grown Christmas Market on Saturday, December 12th

The Georgia Grown Christmas Market is celebrating its fifth year with a new venue! This year, artisans, bakers, farmers, and more will set up shop in the parking lot of the Macon Centreplex for a socially distanced outdoor event that will feature the very best from around the Peach State and right here in Central Georgia.

According to Happy Wyatt, Marketing Coordinator for Georgia Grown, this event is set to be the biggest ever.

“We’ll be able to comfortably socially distance at least 60 or more tents,” says Wyatt. “We normally house 30 vendors at the showcase. We’re comfortable to be able to double that.”

Industrial hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the event and masks will be provided to visitors free of charge.

“Our goal is to keep everyone safe and healthy for the holiday,” says Wyatt.

Many vendors have had to remain exclusively online since the COVID-19 pandemic began. For businesses that rely on markets and festivals or don’t have a large web presence, the Georgia Grown Christmas Market will be a chance to reach new customers with their products.

“Now more than ever, it’s important that we shop local. It’s important that we support our neighbors and our farmers and keep our money local,” says Wyatt. “I want them to walk away from this and say, ‘Because of today, I can pay my rent. Because of today, I can breathe a little easier.’ Because a lot of these folks have had nothing. So it’s desperately, desperately needed.”

Wyatt says another important focus of the event is helping Georgia Grown members promote a lasting impression that will continue to engage patrons long after the event has finished.

“A lot of them are Middle Georgia businesses. These folks will be able to be found even after the showcase is over. And that’s the ultimate goal.”