Shop 'til you drop at Tampa's 8th Annual Holiday Gift Market at Florida State Fairgrounds

TAMPA - If you want to get a head start on your holiday shopping this season, the Junior League of Tampa's 8th Annual Holiday Gift Market takes place this weekend November 4th, 5th and 6th, at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

More than 140 specialty merchants from across the country will offer unique gift items, including everything from clothing, jewelry, and handbags, to food, art, gifts for the home and children's items.

But this year, the event is moving from the Entertainment Hall to the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds. With a drastic increase in square footage, shoppers can expect to see wider aisles, additional dining options, seating areas for shoppers and much more.

Entertainment will come from local schools, breakfast with Santa and Project Spotlights from Junior League of Tampa Board Members.

Admission is $8 at the door and hours are Friday 9a-6pm, Saturday 9a-7pm, and Sunday 10a-7pm.

To learn more about the JLT and their community projects, visit  www.JLTampa.org .

The Holiday Gift Market serves as the JLT's largest fundraiser, and 100% of the net proceeds will support JLT programs and community projects in the areas of foster care, literacy and education, and basic needs for disadvantaged children.

Over the past six years, this event has put $500,000 back into the community.

For 86 years, The Junior League of Tampa has been committed to building a healthier, more educated and safer community for Tampa Bay's children and their families. The 1700 members currently provide more than 60,000 hours of service to the community each year.