Culinary Master Bobby Flay Headlines 2007 Mistletoe Marketplace

Savvy shoppers all across the state of Mississippi will converge at the Mississippi Trade Mart Center in Jackson this week for a holiday extravaganza of wares to be showcased at the Mistletoe Marketplace. A yearly fundraiser sponsored by the Junior League of Jackson, Mistletoe Marketplace is the first stop for shoppers from all across the southeast who are anxious to get a head start on their holiday shopping.

The three day affair, which runs from November 8-10, kicks off Wednesday, November 7 from 7 PM-11PM with a Preview Gala presented by the Junior League of Jackson. Tickets for the event are $100 each and include the admission price to shop during all three days. Patrons will have an opportunity to bid on luxurious prize packages such as a 2008 Cadillac SRX, designer jewelry, and art work. All proceeds will benefit the various community projects the JLJ sponsors throughout the year.

Mistletoe Morning starts at 8 AM on Thursday, November 8 and is sponsored by Cellular South. For three hours shoppers will get a special time set aside for them to explore all 165 merchants offering unique holiday gifts and to feast on a brunch prepared by Julep. Tickets for Mistletoe Morning are $50 and limited. General shopping hours for regular admission prices will resume at 11:00 AM until 9 PM.

Friday morning shopping begins at 8 AM during Marketplace Brunch. Tickets for this event are limited and $40. Sponsored by AT&T, patrons will be treated to a scrumptious breakfast prepared by Julep and also be allowed to shop before the crowds. At 11 AM general admission will resume and will last until 9 PM. From 3PM-7 PM children can enjoy Sundaes with Santa at the Trustmark Pavilion. Photos with Santa will cost $10. On Friday evening from 5 PM until 8 PM, Southern Beverage Company and Anheuser-Busch Brewmasters will sponsor Blues, Brew, and BBQ on the front porch in Center Court. This event will feature mouthwatering barbecue, cold refreshing beer, and live music. Tickets for the event are $30 and also include admission to regular shopping hours on Friday only. At 7:30 PM in the Mississippi Coliseum, legendary culinary artist Bobby Flay will be on tap presenting A Healthy Holiday Spectacular. This event is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi. Tickets for the even range from $39.50-$59.50 per person and can only be purchased at BeBop Record Shops Ticketmaster. 601-355-5252 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Mistletoe Marketplace sums up the shopping festivities on Saturday, November 10. Shopping hours will be held from 9 AM- 5 PM at general admission rates. Sundaes with Santa will once again be held at 2 PM. A raffle drawing will be held at 4 PM for a ladies Rolex watch. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased for $5 a piece or 5 tickets for $20.

General admission rates for Mistletoe Marketplace are $10 for adults with a special 3 day pass that can be purchased for $20, $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and older, and $5 for children aged 6-12. Strollers will not be allowed into Mistletoe Marketplace.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call 1-888-324-0027 or visit www.jljackson,org or www.mistletoemarketplace.com .