With overcast skies and festive music in the air, Mint Hill shoppers came out to support local businesses at the 2nd Annual Pop-Up Christmas Shop Dec. 14 in front of Town Hall.

“I love that this event brings people out in the community walking around, socializing and just being together, especially during the holiday season,” said Sarah Brock owner of Pour 64 and event sponsor. “I think the community needs as many opportunities as possible to get together and enjoy our wonderful town.”

The event was so popular last year that it grew to accommodate more vendors this year with almost 40 different shopping options.

“We are so proud of this event and grateful for our sponsors, Vintner’s Hill Wine Bar and Bistro, Mint Hill Roasting Company and Coffee House, Pour 64 and Costco. We were able to expand the event to have even more vendors this year for the convenience of shoppers,” said Paige McKinney, Executive Director for the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce. “This and so many of our events are made possible by our wonderful volunteers, our Junior Ambassadors from Independence, Rocky River, and Queen’s Grant High Schools especially made this a successful event.”

A variety of vendors were present and offered gifts for everyone on shopper’s Christmas lists, even their pets.

“This event is such a benefit to our community because it allows residents to attend a one-stop shop for holiday shopping from local small businesses that are more than retail locations…but are actual neighbors and friends,” said Katherine DePrater, owner of The Gift Workshop. For us as vendors, it gives us a venue to showcase our businesses and meet people that perhaps don’t have the time to stop by each storefront in Mint Hill the month of December, but can knock out their holiday shopping in one day visiting multiple shops in one location at the Pop Up Market.”

“These types of events take a village of people to be successful,” added DePrater. “We are incredibly grateful to The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Mint Hill for supporting small businesses at such a high level and designating resources to carry out a successful and safe event for all who attend!”

For more information about opportunities to shop locally in Mint Hill, contact the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce at 704-573-8282.