NUTCRACKER MARKET redo!

4 insider shopping hot spots to check out at the 40th annual Nutcracker Market

Knock out your holiday shopping at the annual Nutcracker Market.

Photo courtesy of Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market

The holiday shopping season has already begun, and this weekend Houstonians are in luck of working their way through their lists.

No need to fret about shipping delays, empty shelves, or out-of-stock products – the Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Market – The Redo celebrates its 40 years of tradition with the return of in-person shopping.

“Forty years is such a momentous occasion, especially after the challenges of last year,” said Patsy Chapman, CEO of the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, in a release. “We are thrilled to have this time to appreciate and celebrate so many years of unforgettable memories and to continue this tradition which has been so enthusiastically embraced by our community.”

The fundraising market, which benefits the Houston Ballet, is rolling out its trademark red carpet through Sunday, November 14. Eleven percent of all merchandise sales, plus proceeds from admission and special events tickets, aid the Houston Ballet Foundation, its Academy, and scholarship programs.

The Nutcracker Market has contributed $75.3 million to the Houston Ballet Foundation to date. With the funds raised in 2019, more than 70,000 Houston-area students benefited from the Academy’s Education and Community Engagement programs; over $700,000 was awarded to approximately 217 students to continue their dream of studying dance at the Houston Ballet Academy; and students from almost 300 Houston-area schools and community centers experienced the ballet for the first time.

From its inception as a church bazaar in 1981 to the second-largest fundraising event at NRG Park, the annual extravaganza has grown over the last four decades. Today, it attracts over 100,000 shoppers.

Year after year, the Nutcracker Market selectively curates the various merchants, blending long-running fan favorites with new shops. Returning local brands include Christina Greene (Booth 1001), Chloe Dao (Booth 1444), Kendra Scott (Booth 508), Manready Mercantile (Booth 454), Mirta Tummino Studio (Booth 644), and Paris Texas Apparel Co. (Booth 600).

Expect more than 50 new vendors this year. Here are four to watch:

Brenda Grands – Booth 1512
Inspirational daily jewelry and a best seller Texas collection

C. Shel Shop – Booth 1136
Handcrafted jewelry, a bead and shell jewelry bar, home decor.

LH Candle Studio – Booth 1432
Handcrafted and decorative home fragrance products.

Maria Victoria by Lilly Chic – Booth 1238
Handwoven recycled plastic handbags and accessories made by talented Mexican artisans.

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The Nutcracker Market runs through Sunday, November 14 at NRG Center, 1 NRG Park. Hours are 10 am to 8 pm on Friday; 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday; and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $20 at the door.

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Public memorials and services set for 'Houston's anchorman' Dave Ward

Photo courtesy of Dave Ward

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ABC13 anchor emeritus Dave Ward died on December 13 at age 86.

Members of the public are invited to pay their respects to the longtime newsman at visitations and funeral services this week. Plans include:

Wednesday, Dec. 17: Ward will lie in repose from 11 am-6 pm at the Crimestoppers of Houston Dave Ward Building, 3001 Main St., Houston, TX 77002.
Thursday, Dec. 18: Public visitation open to all at George H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors at 1010 Bering Dr., Houston, TX 77057 from 11 am-2 pm and 4-8 pm
Friday, Dec. 19: Funeral service open to the public at 12 pm at St. Martin's Episcopal Church at 717 Sage Rd., Houston, TX 77056.

ABC13 will carry the funeral live on television and streaming platforms.

For more than 50 years, Dave was Houston's anchorman. He began each newscast with his signature line, "Good evening, friends." That's how the legendary newsman felt about the viewers who shared his love for the city he was so proud to call his home.

His name was David Henry Ward, but he was known to thousands of Eyewitness News viewers simply as "Dave." Born in Dallas in 1939, Dave grew up in Huntsville and began his radio career with KGKB Radio in Tyler while attending college. Three years later, he joined the staff of WACO Radio as a staff announcer and quickly climbed to Program Director the following year.

Dave moved to Houston in 1962, where he worked for KNUZ Radio as a News Reporter and News Director for four years. He made the move to Channel 13 in 1966 as the station's only on-the-street news reporter and photographer, coming "inside" in early 1967 to anchor Channel 13's weekday 7 am. newscast.

Later that year, he became the first host of the wildly popular "Dialing for Dollars" program, which later evolved into "Good Morning Houston." Houston viewers flocked to see him and hear him, and by January 1968, Dave became the anchor of Eyewitness News at 6 and 10 pm.

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Read more about Dave Ward’s life and legacy, with video, on CultureMap's news partner, ABC13.com.

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