Community members are being asked to rally behind small businesses impacted by a fire that forced an abrupt end to an event-filled weekend at the Mississippi Trade Mart in downtown Jackson.
The annual Spring Market and 4 Children Consignment Sale, which draws vendors and visitors from across the state and Mid-South region, was cut short after a fire broke out late Friday night. The blaze, originating in a vendor booth, filled parts of the venue with smoke and caused extensive damage. According to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire was electrical in origin and sparked when multiple devices were connected through a power strip and extension cords.
While no injuries were reported, tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise were damaged or destroyed. To help vendors recover, state leaders and organizers are sharing a GoFundMe page raising funds for those impacted.
Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson, whose agency oversees the Trade Mart, is encouraging the public to donate or shop directly from the vendors’ storefronts and online shops.
“While the Spring Market is cancelled for now, there is something we can do,” Gipson wrote on social media. “I want to encourage everyone to review this list of vendors and support these local small businesses every way you can, whenever you can, as much as you can. Together we will get through this. Meanwhile let’s pray for and support these folks and one another. Please share this challenge to everyone you know, and THANK YOU for being you, Mississippi!”
As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign titled “Support 100 Spring Market Vendors After Trade Mart Fire” had raised $1,180 of its $18,000 goal. Funds will go toward replacing damaged items and displays, as well as offsetting lost revenue vendors had expected to earn during the weekend.