Chaffin, the special projects coordinator for the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau, was busy Friday afternoon helping everyone from craftsmen to artists and cooks find their spot at the Rome Civic Center on Jackson Hill.
The second annual event will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
“What I think is really cool is that all of the artists we have here are from Georgia,” Chaffin said, adding that most are from the Northwest Georgia area. “We love that when we say we promote local artists, we mean it.”
Chaffin said that between the Winter Art Market and its spring counterpart they fill up their spots for vendors quicker each time.
In the attempt at adding something new to the event each year, the market opened for a VIP preview party Friday night with the catering donated by La Scala restaurant.
“It’s something that we wanted to do last year but we just couldn’t,” Chaffin said. “We probably organized last year’s market in about two months.”
This time they will have drawings throughout both days for different items donated by many of the vendors. They will also give vendor awards for best in show, most festive and most original.
“We’ve been able to expand outside this year thanks to the warm weather that we’ll have,” Chaffin said.
There will be 45 vendors set up both days and Chaffin encouraged people to come and find that unique Christmas gift or décor.
IF YOU GO
What: Winter Art Market
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Rome Civic Center
Admission: Free









