Page 22 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2019

COASTNOTES
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Ron Meyers Christmas City
Has it been 36 years already? The Ron Meyers Christmas City Gift Show is a local favorite, featuring more than 300 vendors offering a variety of gift items, including handcrafted and unique home décor, jewelry and accessories, scrapbook supplies, handmade heirlooms, fashions for children and adults, framed art, fragrances and more.
“I will never forget the catalyst for the Christmas City Gift Show, which took place at my Christmas Market
in December of 1983 under the Rice Pavilion in Gulfport,” says event producer Ron Meyers. “It was a cold day and I was flipping burgers on the grill when one of my exhibitors said, ‘Ron, you’ve outgrown this place. You really need to consider moving into the Coliseum.’ His next words were prophetic, ‘With your imagination and ideas, you could make that one
of the best shows in the South.’ That statement ignited a spark in me.”
All these years later, the event has grown from a spark to a flame,
growing larger every year. Christmas City has become not only a gift show, but a magical winter wonderland that locals look forward to each November.
“Christmas City is full of fun, excitement, great music, food and
an incredible Santa’s Village with non-stop activities for children,” Meyers says. “My belief is if we can provide an experience that makes the customers relive the memories from their childhood at Christmas time, then we have achieved our goal.”
Shoppers Paradise is one of the newer additions to the event, added just three years ago. This private shopping event takes place on Friday evening from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and offers adults an opportunity to browse the wares while enjoying wine, beer and snacks.
“This is my baby,” Meyers said. “I love Christmas City and I personally handle almost every aspect. A show this large and so important to our community needs to be the best it can be. We love our customers and we love our exhibitors. We limit the number
of booths simply because there is
only so much money to go around.
I do everything I can to help our exhibitors make a great return on their investment.”
Hours:
Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Shoppers Paradise (adults only) 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ron Meyers Productions
228.831.3020 www.christmascitygiftshow.com
22 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2019 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
MORE THAN 300 SPECTACULAR BOOTHS