CAIRO — The City of Cairo’s 4th annual Mistletoe Market will take place Saturday, Dec. 7, and it will feature a new twist with the addition of a downtown street concert.

More than 50 arts and crafts vendors have already applied to set up shop at the event prior to Friday’s deadline, according to city marketing director Alyssa Blakley, and that number is expected to continue rising.

“I think we’re probably going to have well over 60 vendors,” she said.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the city’s Sweet Winter Concert will kick off with a three-hour set by The Tams. The Jonesboro-based group is known for their beach music fused with a mixture of smooth soul and R&B.

Vendors are invited to stay open throughout the concert

“There are probably a few downtown businesses that will be opened and stay open all day and into the concert,” Blakley said.

Mistletoe Markets have been held before, but never have they been paired with a downtown concert, which are new to Cairo this year. A fourth such concert was scheduled to occur sometime in December, and Blakley suggested that the two events be merged 

“We’re going to try it and see how it works,” she said.

Both events are free to the public.

Prior to the concert, local performers will perform Christmas music on stage during the day until 3 p.m.

A section of Broad Street will be blocked off between 1st Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue to allow for pedestrian street access.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to watch the entertainment. Some tables and seating will be available for attendees to eat.

Food and beverages will be available to purchase at the event. Outside alcohol will not be permitted.

Public parking downtown will be available behind several Broad Street businesses, behind city hall and at the library and courthouse. Limited street parking space may be available along Broad Street.