ODESSA, Texas — The Junior League of Odessa's 41st Merry Marketplace is in full swing at the Ector County Coliseum.
The festivities began on Thursday with a premier shopping party attracting hundreds of guests ready to kick-start their holiday weekend.
The Ladies Champagne Luncheon & Style Show began on Friday featuring a fashion show showcasing dozens of local vendors, providing a unique shopping experience to guests.
The Merry Marketplace has become a continued holiday tradition in Odessa, serving as one of the largest fundraisers for the Junior League.
"The ladies that developed this fundraiser, it was very innovative when it came 76 years ago," said Erika Chavez, president of The Junior League of Odessa. "So for us to continue to have a pulse on our community and be able to bring something that is still so successful, has hundreds, actually thousands of attendees over the weekend."
Chavez went on to say, "I think it's a beautiful feat to have that many people contribute along the way and really just make it a successful event past, present and future."
The Merry Marketplace runs until the weekend, including a Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday. All proceeds from the event support the Junior League’s local community projects, making it not just a shopping experience, but a way to give back.