Veterans and active-duty military will get free admission to the 41st annual Wellesley Marketplace, an annual arts fair at Wellesley High School on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2017. The event is being held one week earlier than in past years, when it was held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017

Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Wellesley High School, 50 Rice St., Wellesley, MA 02481

Tickets: General admission $15; students and seniors $5. Premium early-admission admission tickets $20 (for early entry from 9-10 a.m.)

allegro-photography-marketplace2016-024_bestWhere to buy tickets: Roche Bros. and The Linden Store in Wellesley or online at bit.ly/2017MarketplaceTix . Tickets also can be purchased at the door.

Veterans discount: Military veterans and active-duty service members will get free admission at the door.

“We’re so happy that we can offer free admission as a way to honor our veterans and active service members on this special holiday,” said Marketplace chairwoman Meryl Glassman, of Wellesley.

allegro-photography-marketplace2016-053_bestMarketplace is an annual retail favorite — and the unofficial start of the holiday season — for those seeking unique locally made gifts for family and friends.  Shoppers will have access to about 200 vendors and artisans from New England and afar.  Available wares include gourmet foods, handmade jewelry, artwork, home accessories, dog toys, and even dolls’ clothes.

This will mark the second year in a row that the event will be held at the recently renovated Wellesley High School. Last year, Marketplace drew a crowd of 1,700 shoppers, including about 500 who paid for premium admission tickets to get into the show early.

Last year, WHJWC awarded $70,000 in college scholarships to 44 Wellesley high school students in amounts ranging from $500 to $2,500. WHJWC also gave $70,000 in grants to Wellesley-area community groups.

BY THE NUMBERS

  • 1976 First year of Wellesley Marketplace
  • 223 Number of artists
  • 64% Percentage of artists from Massachusetts
  • 30 Number of artists from Wellesley, Needham, Natick, Dover or Dedham
  • 76% Percentage of artists who are new to Marketplace
  • $140,000 Amount given away in college scholarships and community groups each year by Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club

Save