Jackson, Miss. — Weekend events at the Mississippi Trade Mart have been canceled following a fire that broke out in a vendor booth on Friday night, officials confirmed Saturday morning. The cancellations include the Spring Market and the All 4 Children Consignment sale, impacting shoppers and vendors alike.
The fire, reported around 2:00 AM on Saturday, was contained to Trade Hall B, affecting the immediate area surrounding the initial outbreak. While early assessments indicate little to no structural fire or water damage to the Trade Mart building itself, officials noted extensive smoke saturation throughout the facility, rendering it unusable for the scheduled events. The incident prompted a swift response from local authorities and a cancellation of all weekend activities at the venue.
Fire Contained, Events Canceled
According to reports, the fire originated in a vendor booth and was quickly brought under control. Paige Manning with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce confirmed the cancellation of the Spring Market and All 4 Children Consignment events. WLBT News first reported the story Saturday morning.
The All 4 Children Consignment event, a seasonal pop-up children’s consignment sale, had been scheduled to run in person from March 19th to the 21st. The event’s website indicated both in-person and online components were planned. The Spring Market, a popular shopping destination, was also affected by the closure.
Southern Cutting Horse Futurity to Proceed as Planned
Despite the disruption at the Trade Mart, the Southern Cutting Horse Futurity, being held concurrently at the nearby Kirk Fordice Equine Center, will continue as scheduled. This allows for a continuation of equestrian events in the area, providing a contrast to the cancellations at the Trade Mart. State Fairgrounds officials have stated they will provide updates regarding other upcoming events planned for the Trade Mart as more information becomes available.
One promoter spoke to local news, stating she received notification of the electrical fire around 2:00 AM, expressing disappointment for vendors who were anticipating a successful weekend. WAPT News reported on the promoter’s statement, highlighting the impact on those involved in the events.
Investigation Ongoing, Future Events Uncertain
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. While the immediate damage appears limited, the extensive smoke saturation poses a challenge for reopening the facility. Officials are assessing the extent of the smoke damage and developing a plan for remediation. The Mississippi Trade Mart has not yet announced a timeline for resuming normal operations.
The cancellation of these events represents a disruption for both vendors and attendees. The All 4 Children Consignment sale, in particular, provides a platform for local families to buy and sell gently used children’s items. The Spring Market offers a variety of goods and attracts shoppers from across the region.
The State Fairgrounds officials are expected to release further information regarding the status of future events at the Mississippi Trade Mart in the coming days. Those with questions about the canceled events are encouraged to check for updates from the Mississippi Trade Mart and event organizers.
As the investigation continues and cleanup efforts begin, the focus remains on restoring the Mississippi Trade Mart to full operational capacity and minimizing further disruption to scheduled events. The community awaits further updates on the timeline for reopening and the impact on future programming.
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