'Holidazzle' returns to Riverside Arts Market

Second annual event supports 150 local artists

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It's one of North Florida's favorite outdoor holiday shopping experiences featuring 150 artists and artisans; the second annual Holidazzle at the Riverside Arts Market. Organizers say it's a festive outdoor holiday event and shopping opportunity for the entire family.

On Saturday, December 14, RAM is extending its hours until 9 p.m. to provide a unique nighttime experience at North Florida's largest open-air market. RAM's artists and artisans will be onsite through the evening offering thousands of gift ideas from their tents adorned with holiday lights and decor.

Winter brews, wine and holiday cocktails (organizer says think eggnog and peppermint schnapps!) will be available for the grown-ups with hot chocolate and other treats for the kids. After the sun sets RAM will present a series of family-friendly holiday classics on a 32' movie screen at the River Stage as well as a petting zoo from Black Hog Farm along Farmer/Grower Row. As always, a variety of dining options, live entertainment and street performers will complete the festive experience visitors will find under the bridge throughout the day.

HOLIDAZZLE! is part of RAM's effort to encourage North Florida residents to commit to supporting their local economy this holiday season, as RAM is the perfect place for shoppers to find up to 150 locally owned and operated small businesses in a single venue. RAM kicked off its holiday shopping season with Small Business Saturday, sponsored by Community First Credit Union, on November 30th and will wrap up its 5th Anniversary Season on December 21st.

"It's just really great to support the local economy, shop small, support your neighbors and entrepreneurs," says Krysten Bennett, Director of the Riverside Arts Market. "Their kids go to school with your kids and so instead of going to the big box stores for the holidays come out to RAM do your holiday shopping there."

In addition to the multitude of one-of-a-kind gift ideas offered by RAM vendors, shoppers may purchase RAM gift tokens beginning on Small Business Saturday. RAM gift tokens may be used as currency with any vendor in the market and make great stocking stuffers for those hard-to-shop-for friends and family members.

"Give them to people who have never been to the market and have never experienced it," Bennett says. "If there are market lovers uot there this is a great way to introduce your friends and family to a really great Jacksonville event."

Visit the upcoming events section of RAM's website at riversideartsmarket.com or join the 'Holidazzle at Riverside Arts Market' event page on Facebook for more information.