JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Black Friday isn’t nearly massive field shops and on-line offers—it’s additionally a time to rejoice native companies.
The Holiday Nerd Market, organized by Ryan Thompson, founding father of GAAM Good, invitations the Jacksonville neighborhood to just do that on Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 p.m.
The Vacation Nerd Market presents a novel buying expertise by bringing collectively small companies and native charities.
“It’s about bringing us all collectively and exhibiting that it takes a village,” Thompson stated.
Attendees can help causes like Feeding Northeast Florida and Fostering Connections by donating toys or meals objects, with prizes supplied as an incentive.
Thompson defined that Jacksonville’s nerd tradition is distinct as a result of it’s homegrown.
“We don’t have a variety of supporting ecosystems in these firms right here,” he stated, emphasizing that the neighborhood’s power comes from its grassroots nature.
From gaming to anime and tabletop hobbies, the market is a mirrored image of town’s passionate and various nerd neighborhood.
Native distributors and nerdy treasures
The Vacation Nerd Market options a wide selection of distributors, providing every little thing from handcrafted jewellery to boba tea. Notable distributors embrace Tiki Java Jacks, Darby’s Dungeon—a female-owned tabletop gaming firm—and Ferrokinetics, a maker of nerd-themed jewellery. Different distributors will showcase 3D-printed objects, artwork prints, keychains, and even soaps and candles.
“Regardless of the parable, nerds can scent good too,” Thompson joked.
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Attendees can even get pleasure from gaming experiences, together with online game periods for youths and adults.
“We give a prize to not solely the particular person enjoying, however any individual within the crowd as effectively,” Thompson shared, including a playful comparability to the motion of Working Man, minus the violence.
Find out how to be a part of the enjoyable
Entry to the Vacation Nerd Market is free, due to crowdfunding and neighborhood sponsors like Neighborhood First. Nonetheless, tickets are required and can be found at HolidayNerdMarket.com. Thompson suggested attendees to behave quick, as Saturday’s slots had been almost full.
For Thompson, the occasion isn’t nearly buying; it’s a celebration of the nerd neighborhood and its contributions.
“Nerds are among the coolest individuals on Earth,” he added.
The Vacation Nerd Market takes place this weekend, offering a family-friendly alternative to buy native, get pleasure from video games, and help significant causes.
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