By ARABELLA SERRATA
Special to the PARADE
The 29th annual South Padre Island [SPI] Market Days will be held at the SPI Convention Center Jan. 24-26 and Feb. 21-23.
SPI Market Days is a bi-annual artisan show that specializes in art, jewelry, health products, home decor and more. It runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Initially, the event was started to combat the slow season after summertime and quickly became a popular event “drawing vendors and shoppers from across the nation,” according to event promoter, Monique Carre. James Shelton, who owned eight SPI stores, first coined the event by renting out the SPI Convention Center to sell off remaining stock at the end of the summer season and inviting other businesses to do the same.
Cathy Shelton, James’s wife, helped introduce jewelry to the event. She brought her creations and encouraged other artisans to sell their goods at the market.
“From those humble beginnings, SPI Market Days was born, fueled by a shared appreciation for the hard work and dedication of small business owners,” said Carre.
Door prizes are raffled off each hour, keeping attendees glued to the activity. Carre calls the venue a “perfect setting for locals and Winter Texans to shop, connect and support the amazing small business owners who bring their talents to the island.”
Admission fees for the event are $2. After that, attendees have unlimited access to the venue and a “world of unique finds and countless chances to win fantastic prizes.” Carre promises “fun, discovery and
community spirit” for those who attend the event. It is a perfect opportunity to see local entrepreneurs at work and support these businesses.
News Source: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/
Full credits to the owner of this article and photo.
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