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Get The Hell Out of Your Life
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Get The Hell Out of Your Life
Unwrapping the Legacy of the Ron Myers Christmas City Gift Show
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Introduction to Christmas City Gift Show
Speaker 1Ready for some holiday magic Always. Okay good, Because today we're going deep on the Ron Myers Christmas City Gift Show.
Speaker 2Oh yeah.
Speaker 1This is a Mississippi Gulf Coast thing, you know it's a big deal. It's been going on for like over 40 years.
Speaker 2Yeah.
Speaker 1Crazy. So we've got like all kinds of sources from like their website to you know applications for vendors.
Speaker 2Oh, wow.
Speaker 1We've got sponsor info. We've even got articles about like how it started and you know how it affects the community.
Speaker 2It's become a real institution down there.
Speaker 1Yeah, it really has. So the mission today is to give you the full picture. We're going to start with the guy who started it all.
Speaker 2Ron Myers.
Speaker 1Yeah, ron Myers, and then we're going to go all the way to like what it's like to shop there.
Speaker 2That's what I'm talking about.
Speaker 1I may be even convinced you to head down to the Gulf Coast this November. I might be convinced already. We'll stay tuned, you know. All right, let's see. So first up, Ron Myers the man, the myth, the legend.
Speaker 2He had an interesting start, started in the Air Force.
Speaker 1Oh yeah, I read that.
Speaker 2And somehow ended up putting together like over 250 events across the Gulf South.
Speaker 1It's crazy, right I? Mean what a change. Total career pivot. And get this. He's originally from Cedar Rapids, iowa, no way. So he's like a fish out of water down there, exactly, which I think makes it even more interesting, you know.
Speaker 2Totally. It shows real vision. You know to create something so unique in a place that's like, so different from where you started.
Speaker 1Totally, totally Okay. So let's talk about Christmas City gift show. This is no like ordinary craft fair.
Speaker 2Oh no, it's massive.
Speaker 1It's huge, like picture this the Coast Convention Center.
Speaker 2Oh, wow.
Speaker 1Completely transformed into like a winter wonderland. I love that. Over 300 booths. You can find anything there. I mean anything.
Speaker 2I heard it's the place to go for unique gifts.
Speaker 1Yeah, like for those people who are impossible to shop for.
Speaker 2Yeah, yeah, you know the ones who have everything.
Speaker 1You'll find something for them there.
Speaker 2I bet.
Speaker 1Okay, okay, enough teasing, let's get into the specifics. So, mark your calendars, folks. November 8th through the 10th 2025. Okay, At the Mississippi Coliseum in Biloxi, Got it? General admission 10 bucks.
Speaker 2That's not bad at all.
Speaker 1Not bad at all, but they also have this thing Shopper's Paradise Ticket.
Speaker 2Ooh, tell me more.
Speaker 1It's 17 bucks. Yeah, we'll get into what that means a little later.
Speaker 2Looking forward to it.
Speaker 1And if you've got little ones, Breakfast santa saturday morning classy 30 bucks a kid okay that includes entry for two parents and it's like the whole, the whole santa experience oh, that's so cute photos and all that photos, ornament craft community crafting that's fun yeah, it's the, it's a whole thing sounds like a great way to kick off a day of shopping. Now shopper's paradise. This is where things get interesting. Friday night Adults only.
Speaker 2Ooh, I like the thought of that.
Speaker 1Live music, wine, beer. They even have a silent auction.
Speaker 2Wow, they've really thought of everything.
Speaker 1They really have. It's like a whole different vibe, like a more like I don't know sophisticated shopping experience.
Speaker 2Right, sip and shop, but make it holiday themed.
Speaker 1Exactly, but it's not just about the shopping at this thing, like they really focus on making the whole experience enjoyable for everyone.
Speaker 2That's important. It's got to be comfortable.
Ron Myers and Event Details
Speaker 1Right, so in 2020, they actually widened the aisles. Oh, that's smart. So you don't feel so like crammed in even when it's crowded? Especially with all those bags, you need room to maneuver exactly and they've got this whole santa land set up, you know, for the families oh, that's sweet you can take photos with santa, write them letters.
Speaker 2It's really cute they're really going all out to create a family-friendly atmosphere yeah, it's definitely a multi-generational event.
Speaker 1You know, like people bring their kids, their grand grandkids. It's a whole thing.
Speaker 2I love that it becomes a tradition.
Speaker 1Totally Okay, but let's talk about like the bigger picture.
Speaker 2Okay, the impact yeah.
Speaker 1The impact this event. It doesn't just spread holiday cheer, it actually gives back to the community in a big way.
Speaker 2Really how so.
Speaker 1So get this Ron Myers Ministries. It's entirely funded by this Christmas show.
Speaker 2Wow, that's impressive.
Speaker 1Isn't that amazing? So, like every purchase you make, every ticket you buy, it goes towards their charities.
Speaker 2That's incredible. What kind of charities do they support?
Speaker 1Oh, all kinds Christian rehab centers, oh wow, anti-trafficking organizations, missions, podcasts that promote like good values.
Speaker 2That's amazing.
Speaker 1They do a lot.
Speaker 2So you're not just buying gifts, you're contributing to something meaningful.
Speaker 1Exactly, it's like built-in giving back, you know.
Speaker 2I love that. It adds another layer to the whole experience.
Speaker 1Totally, and it's not just the charity aspect. We read an article about how this event is like a big economic boost for the Gulf Coast, especially after the summer tourism season ends.
Speaker 2Right, because things tend to slow down after the summer rush.
Speaker 1Right. So this event? It brings in people from all over.
Speaker 2Spending money at hotels, restaurants, local shops.
Speaker 1Exactly, it's a win-win for everyone and get this. It's actually considered one of the top 20 tourism events in the Southeast.
Speaker 2Really Wow, that's a big deal.
Speaker 1Yeah, it's pretty impressive.
Speaker 2It's come a long way from a local gift show.
Speaker 1It really has. But okay, let's circle back to this shopper's paradise thing.
Speaker 2Yes, Tell me more.
Speaker 1It's not your average shopping spree, it's more of a whole experience, like picture yourself with a glass of wine.
Speaker 2Ooh, I like where this is going.
Speaker 1Browsing all these amazing handcrafted goods.
Speaker 2While listening to live music.
Speaker 1Yes, and there are door prizes, and all the while, you know you're supporting local businesses and charities.
Speaker 2It's like the perfect combination of holiday indulgence and doing good.
Speaker 1Exactly. I'm kind of sold myself now.
Speaker 2Me too, but you know we've talked a lot about the shoppers. What about the people selling all this amazing stuff?
Speaker 1Oh, the vendors.
Speaker 2Yeah, what's it like to be on the other side of the booth.
Speaker 1That's a great question. Let's dive into that next.
Speaker 2So you know, the vendor application actually gives us some insight into what it takes to be a part of this whole thing, oh really.
Speaker 1So it's not just like show up and sell your stuff.
Speaker 2No, no, no. They've got like a whole selection process, hmm, interesting. They want to make sure it's a really good experience for the shoppers that there's variety, that the stuff is, you know, high quality.
Speaker 1So they're curating it. It's not just any old craft fair.
Speaker 2Exactly Like. You have to submit detailed descriptions of your products.
Speaker 1Oh, wow.
Speaker 2Photos of your like booth setup, even like examples of your pricing.
Speaker 1Wow, they're serious about this. So they really are going for that whole like magical holiday shopping experience.
Speaker 2Yeah, yeah and get this. They actually ask vendors to donate like a $25 gift certificate.
Speaker 1Oh, for what?
Speaker 2For door prizes.
Shopper's Paradise Experience
Speaker 1That's a good idea it is right, Gets people excited. And it's good for the vendors too. Yeah, totally yeah. More exposure and it's good for the vendors too yeah totally yeah, more exposure and it kind of creates that sense of community, you know.
Speaker 2Absolutely. They're really good at that like promoting that community feel.
Speaker 1Yeah, it's like everyone's in it together. Oh, and I noticed they offer to male vendors like promotional stuff, really yeah, so they can like hand them out at other events.
Speaker 2That's smart.
Speaker 1That's really smart marketing, both both for the show and for the vendors.
Speaker 2Totally More exposure for everyone. Okay, but let's get into the nitty gritty, the booth options.
Speaker 1Yeah, yeah, like, how does that work?
Speaker 2So they have different sizes from like a standard 10 by 10 space. Okay, all the way up to these like 20 by 20 island booths.
Speaker 1Oh wow, that must be prime real estate.
Speaker 2Oh for sure, Location is everything, Even in a holiday wonderland. A standard booth starts at $425.
Speaker 1Okay.
Speaker 2But if you want a corner spot, better visibility, more foot traffic.
Speaker 1Yeah.
Speaker 2That'll cost you an extra like 50 to 75 bucks.
Speaker 1It's all about location, location, location, right, just like in regular retail.
Speaker 2Exactly A prime spot can make all the difference. And then of course there are, you know, the usual add-ons electricity for your booth, extra tables, that kind of thing.
Speaker 1So vendors can really customize their setup, make it their own.
Speaker 2Exactly. It all depends on their needs, their budget. But one thing that caught my eye was the cancellation policy.
Speaker 1Oh yeah, what about it?
Speaker 2No refunds, no credits If the event has to be canceled because of, you know, like a hurricane or a virus outbreak. It's tough it is, but I guess from the organizer's perspective it makes sense. They have to cover their costs.
Speaker 1Right, but yeah, vendors have to put down a 50% deposit.
Speaker 2Right, and then the rest is due by July 1st, so it's a pretty significant financial commitment.
Speaker 1It is for sure. But I imagine for a lot of businesses it's worth it.
Speaker 2Yeah, especially if you're selling like handmade stuff or you know something unique.
Speaker 1It's a chance to connect directly with customers which you just can't do online.
Speaker 2you know Exactly and you know people are in that holiday shopping mood. They're looking for special gifts or more open to trying new things.
Speaker 1It's prime time for those small businesses and artisans to really shine.
Speaker 2Absolutely, it's their time to shine and I think there's also, like this, sense of community among the vendors. Oh yeah for sure, like they're all in it together, supporting each other. It's like a team effort you know Totally, and for a lot of these small local businesses, these events are everything.
Speaker 1Yeah, it's their bread and butter.
Speaker 2It's how they connect with their customers, build their brand.
Community Impact and Charity Work
Speaker 1It's the heart of entrepreneurship and that adds another dimension to this whole Christmas City gift show thing. You know.
Speaker 2Definitely. You're not just buying a product, you're supporting someone's dream.
Speaker 1Exactly, and that human connection is so important, especially during the holidays.
Speaker 2Totally. It's about so much more than just checking things off your shopping list.
Speaker 1It's about the experience, the connection, the community.
Speaker 2Exactly so. We've talked about like the present day stuff, but this event has been going on for a while, right?
Speaker 1It has. Do you remember how long?
Speaker 241 years 41 years. Can you believe that Over four decades of holiday cheer?
Speaker 1That's amazing.
Speaker 2It really is. It just goes to show how popular this thing is.
Speaker 1It's become a tradition.
Speaker 2And you know it's not like they've just been doing the same thing over and over.
Speaker 1Right, they've been evolving, changing with the times.
Speaker 2Exactly Like that Shopper's Paradise thing that started in 2016, I think.
Speaker 1Yeah, and it's been a huge hit.
Speaker 2And those wider aisles.
Speaker 1Yeah, that was 2020.
Speaker 2Smart move. They're listening to feedback. They're making it better every year. Exactly that's how you keep people coming back. I wish we had some like stories from past shows. You know anecdotes from shoppers or vendors.
Speaker 1I know right. Can you imagine all the memories that have been made there, like the ribbon-cutting ceremony every year, where Santa actually cuts the ribbon?
Speaker 2Oh, I bet the kids love that.
Speaker 1Oh, I bet it's probably a core memory for some of those kids, totally yeah.
Speaker 2And then there's breakfast with Santa on Saturday morning. Smart move for the parents, you know, keeps the kids entertained. Really shop.
Speaker 1Genius, strategic parenting at its finest, and then Shopper's Paradise on Friday night for the adults.
Speaker 2Live music wine it's a whole vibe.
Speaker 1It is, but you know, sometimes it's the unplanned moments that are the most memorable.
Speaker 2Oh, absolutely, those chance encounters, the unexpected finds.
Speaker 1Talking to the vendors, hearing their stories.
Speaker 2That's what makes it special, that human connection.
Speaker 1And Ron Myers has clearly created something really special here. It's not just a gift show.
Speaker 2No, it's an experience.
Speaker 1It's a reflection of the community, yeah, of the spirit of the Gulf Coast.
Speaker 2And you know, as we're talking about all this, I'm struck by how much personality this event has. It's not just some generic holiday market.
Speaker 1Right, it's got charm, it's got character, it's got heart.
Speaker 2It's Ron Myers himself. Yeah, his energy, his vision.
Speaker 1Totally and his dedication to giving back.
Vendor Opportunities and Requirements
Speaker 2It's a great example of how a business can be a force for good.
Speaker 1Absolutely Uplifting others, spreading holiday cheer. It all comes back to that human need for connection you know, especially during the holidays.
Speaker 2Right. That need to belong, to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
Speaker 1And in this world where everything is so digital, it's so important to have those real-life experiences.
Speaker 2Those face-to-face interactions, those tangible memories.
Speaker 1Exactly, and sometimes those experiences come in the form of a bustling holiday market, you know.
Speaker 2Filled with unique gifts and the warmth of community spirit.
Speaker 1Yeah, it's a reminder that the holidays are about more than just stuff.
Speaker 2It's about connection, memories, sharing joy with others.
Speaker 1And the Ron Myers Christmas City Gift Show really seems to capture all of that.
Speaker 2It does. But as we're wrapping up this part of our deep dive, there's one question that keeps coming back to me.
Speaker 1Oh yeah.
Speaker 2What's that?
Speaker 1What is it about this specific event that keeps people coming back year after year? We've talked about the vendors, the charity, the atmosphere, but what's the secret sauce?
Speaker 2That's a good question. What is it? Is it the sense of community? Like, you're surrounded by people who just love the holidays.
Speaker 1Maybe, or is it the thrill of the hunt?
Speaker 2Ooh, finding that one of a kind gift.
Speaker 1Yeah, or maybe it's knowing that you're supporting local businesses, doing something good.
Speaker 2It could be all of that.
Speaker 1It probably is. It's like this magical combination.
Speaker 2Whatever it is, it's powerful it is.
Speaker 1It transforms a simple gift show into something so much more.
Speaker 2A tradition, a community gathering, a reminder of the true spirit of the holidays.
Speaker 1So well said, but now we want to hear from you, the listener.
Speaker 2Yeah.
Speaker 1What are your thoughts? What stood out to you about the Ron Myers Christmas City gift show?
Speaker 2The gifts, the family atmosphere, the charity, the shopper's paradise.
Speaker 1We want to know what you think.
Speaker 2Has this deep dive sparked your curiosity?
Speaker 1Would you consider a trip down to the Mississippi Gulf Coast this holiday season? Let us know.
Speaker 2We love hearing from you.
Speaker 1We've explored the history, the details, the impact of this incredible event, but remember this is just the beginning of your own exploration.
Speaker 2So dive deeper. Check out the vendors Ron Myers Ministries.
Speaker 1Maybe even plan that Gulf Coast road trip, why not? Until next time, keep learning, keep exploring and we'll see you on our next deep dive.
Speaker 2So we've gone from, like Ron Myers, starting in the Air Force, to this huge event with hundreds of booths. We've talked about how it helps the community and all the cool stuff you can buy, and that Shopper's Paradise thing which sounds pretty amazing, by the way but now. Now it's your turn. It Pretty amazing, by the way, but now.
Speaker 1Now it's your turn. It's your turn. What are you thinking about all this? What's stuck with you?
Speaker 2Was it like the sheer size of this thing or the fact that it's been going for over 40 years, that's?
Speaker 1incredible. Or maybe it was that picture of Santa cutting the ribbon. I mean, come on, that's adorable.
Legacy and Lasting Appeal
Speaker 2Or the thought of finding a gift that you literally cannot find anywhere else. Yeah, or maybe knowing that when you buy something. Yeah, you're helping out all these good causes.
Speaker 1It's a pretty cool combo. So the big question does this sound like an event you'd actually go to? Would you like brave the crowds?
Speaker 2Head down to the Gulf Coast.
Speaker 1To experience this thing firsthand. And OK, here's another question. If you could ask Ron Myers himself, the man himself, just one question, if you could ask Ron Myers himself, the man himself, just one question, what would it be like? What's his secret? How's he managed to create this event that people keep coming back to year after year for over four decades? What's the magic formula? We've given you a taste of the Ron Myers Christmas City gift show the history, the vendors, the impact all that good stuff, but it's just a starting point.
Speaker 1You know, it's up to you to dig deeper, to explore more. Maybe check out those vendors online.
Speaker 2See what catches your eye.
Speaker 1Learn more about Ron Myers Ministries Heck, maybe even start planning a trip down to the Gulf Coast. You know who knows?
Speaker 2Become your new holiday tradition.
Speaker 1Exactly so until next time, keep that curiosity alive, keep exploring and we'll see you on our next deep dive. We've got lots more fascinating stuff to uncover.