The new Lafayette County Arena was designed to host a myriad of events, and before plans to do so in 2020 get underway, a kickoff event will take place in December.

In partnership with the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, the Lucky Finds Market will make its debut on Dec. 14 in the indoor classroom space of the multi-purpose arena.

The LOU Community is home to several farmers markets, art markets and flea markets. The Lucky Finds Market is aiming to combine all three into one, and make it a year-round event. Providing a place for those who make breads, an outlet for crafters and a place for anyone with collectibles such as books, antiques or unusual items to share and sell.

“Our goal was to create a space that mixed crafts, cottage goods like breads, jams and sauces, art and collectables,” said event organizer Michell Emanuel. “There is a thriving flea market in the community and our goal was to offer something that provided a space for everyone one from collectors and curios to handmade items and art.”

Booths are available for vendors to rent for $11 and can be secured through the YAC website oxfordarts.com. Executive director of YAC, Wayne Andrews, was selected by the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors this summer to manage the arena and book events that will cater the needs and use the space of the arena properly.

This new market will offer a unique aspect that other markets in the LOU Community currently do not. People who attend the Lucky Finds Market will be able to sell their own items through the Lucky Finds table. Attendees will be able to set their own price for a single item when they drop it off at the beginning of the market. If the item sells they will collect their payment and if the item did not sell the attendee can pick it up and take it back home.

Any items not collected from the Lucky Finds table by the end of the market will be donated to Holding Hands resale shop to benefit the local charity.

“We support programs of this nature as they provide opportunity for entrepreneurs to build a following,” Andrews said. “Our goal is to support the community’s creative efforts, regardless if it is baking bread, quilting or painting.”