After four weekends of “soft launch” to perfect operations, El Mercadito invites the community to celebrate its Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Dec. 17th at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday’s festivities will include a “Latino Christmas Market, live music, tamales (traditional Latino Christmas food), a gift wrapping station, and Santa Claus,” Charlotte City Council member, Tariq Bokhari, announced on Thursday. There will be over 100 vendors selling a variety of items:
- Fresh fruit and veggies
- Latin foods, drinks, candy, and cooking ingredients
- Thrift and luxury clothing
- Boots and shoes
- Household items and tools
- Toys, jewelry, and more.
Let’s Gather to Celebrate
Having been displaced from Eastland, the vendors from Central Flea Market scrambled for months to find a location to run their businesses. WFAE reported that Council member Bokhari and local tech entrepreneur Charlie Mulligan helped the Central Market Association find and lease the space at 1720 Galleria Blvd, which is owned by Daniel Levine.
“Public private partnerships are integral to building an equitable Charlotte,” said Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston. “I am grateful that the private sector was able to come through with a viable solution for the vendors.”
It’s been a layered journey—but hopefully a journey with a happy ending. Hundreds of vendors are expected to fill the lot at 1720 Galleria Blvd, which sits in view of the intersection of Monroe Road and Galleria Blvd.
Click to expand the map above.
This is the same intersection that MoRA volunteers and lead artist Bunny Gregory painted “Gather,” a community mural honoring the history of quilting and the vital role that our communities play in offering welcoming spaces and events in which people can gather. The patchwork of colorful imagery reflects the experiences and cultural heritages of the people who live and work in the Monroe Road area.
“Let’s all celebrate the vendors’ hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit in their new space at Galleria Blvd & Monroe Rd.” —Kathy Hill, MoRA board member
Event Details:
WHAT: El Mercadito Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
WHEN: Saturday, December 17th at 11am. **El Mercadito is open from 9a-6p, every Saturday and Sunday (rain or shine)**
WHERE: 1720 Galleria Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28270. Free entry; free parking.
Monroe Road Advocates (MoRA) is grassroots group of volunteers from Monroe Road neighborhoods, businesses, nonprofits, and schools. We’re connecting community in the corridor from Lupie’s/7th Street to NC-51.
