By Anastasia Megdanis
Six years ago, when the idea for the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra’s Premiere Market fundraising event first came to fruition, the members realized that they had something quite special on their hands. With the help of their fearless leader at the time, Lou Ellen Ruesink, and her faith in the market, the first one went off without a hitch. It has since grown into the anticipated event known today.
This year, the fundraiser will take place on April 6 and 7 at the Brazos County Expo. All the proceeds made from the $5 admission fee go towards the cultural and educational programs of BVSO.
“I want people to realize that whether you want to spend $5 or $500 there will be something there for you,” says Mary Koeninger, BVSO’s executive director. “It is so convenient because you can go leisurely out to the expo and shop these unique vendors that travel all around with their product; except now you have the convenience of it being so close to home.”
Shoppers will be able to experience some of the favorite vendors from the past, as well as new and exciting additions, all of which are unique and of great quality, according to BVSO.
In addition to the various vendors featured, the “Muffins, Mimosas, and More” and the “Bacon & Bloody Marys” special shopping events make a return this year.
The fundraiser just so happens to come right in time for Mother’s Day, graduations, Father’s Day, and even summer weddings. Even if the “girl’s day” festivities do not appeal to you or you do not have a specific occasion in mind, the market will still have plenty of vendors to interest everyone.
Koeninger emphasizes that the intention behind the fundraiser was for BVSO to give community members a unique and fun excuse to get together and support the arts while also having a great time. “The reason we do it is that it allows us to ensure that we have the resources to sustain our educational program and our concerts,” she says.
The 2018 Premiere Market will be open on Friday, April 6, from 9am to 6pm and on Saturday, April 7, from 10am to 5pm For more information about the market or to contact BVSO, visit www.premieremarket.org or www.bvso.org.
Schedule of Events
VIP Shopping: Muffins, Mimosas & More April 6 from 9am to 11am $15 Admission
Day 1 Everybody Shops April 6 from 9am to 6pm $5 Admission
Shop in Style: Bacon & Bloody Marys April 7 from 10am to 12pm Bacon infused breakfast and gourmet Bloody Marys available for purchase
Day 2 Everybody Shops Again April 7 from 10am to 5pm $5 Admission
