Click here to download pdf

FOR RELEASE ON OCTOBER 12, 2009
CONTACT: JUDY NICHOLS
(713) 781-0053
judynichols1@sbcglobal.net

NUTCRACKER MARKET OFFERS
UNIQUE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
NOVEMBER 12 – 15 AT RELIANT CENTER

70,000 shoppers from Texas and across the nation
descend on Reliant Center
for 29th annual holiday shopping extravaganza

HOUSTON—Houston Ballet is excited to announce the 29th annual Nutcracker Market will usher in the holidays November 12-15 at Reliant Center, One Reliant Park. The market will be open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Featured at this year's market are 323 national and international merchants carefully selected for their unique offerings — including 50 new merchants — selling gifts for the entire family, including: home décor, gourmet food, garden, clothing, sporting gifts, novelties, accessories and more. All proceeds from the market benefit Houston Ballet Foundation, Houston Ballet's Ben Stevenson Academy and its scholarship fund.

Organized and executed by the Houston Ballet Guild, The Nutcracker Market is Houston's third largest fundraising event, following the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Shell Houston Open. Last year's market welcomed over 74,000 shoppers and raised over $2.3 million for Houston Ballet. Over the four days of the 2008 Nutcracker Market, merchant sales totaled $12.4 million. In 2008, 500 volunteers from Houston Ballet Guild and dedicated corporate supporters staffed key positions throughout the market.

"The Nutcracker Market is our largest source of contributed and special event income for Houston Ballet’s $18 million budget," said Houston Ballet Managing Director Cecil C. Conner. "Over the last few years, the market has contributed between 11 and 12 percent of Houston Ballet's annual budget. The growth of the Nutcracker Market has been vitally important to Houston Ballet's overall growth. Just fifteen years ago, the Market contributed 6 percent of our annual budget, so it has only grown in importance in recent years. We are very fortunate that Houston Ballet Guild and our corporate volunteers are so passionately committed to this event, and contribute so freely of their time and talents."

This year's market theme, conceived of by market chairman Gaylon Gullquist, is "Puttin' on the Dog". A passionate dog-lover, Ms. Gullquist discovered the humorous canine artistry of Louisiana-based artist Jim Tweedy, including his "Muttcracker" and "Sugar Plum Larry". Mr. Tweedy's playful images dance through the invitation, the market's collateral materials, and on murals created by Kirksey Gregg and The Events Company that will be featured at the event. Ms. Gullquist is a dedicated volunteer for Houston Ballet. In addition to her duties as chair of the Nutcracker Market, she served as president of Houston Ballet Guild from 2007-2008.

"From the inception of the Market, the (Houston Ballet) Guild has played a prominent role in making it a Houston tradition. Every year, Guild members volunteer long hours to raise money
for Houston Ballet, its Academy and scholarship program. At the same time, they are able to delight in the sights, sounds, and shopping that are the Nutcracker Market," said Guild President
Cynthia Brown.

Houston-area Randalls stores will sell $10 tickets beginning October 19. Seniors may request $1 off at the Reliant Center ticket window, with a maximum $1 discount. Children under 6 are free, and half-price admission will be offered for the final three hours each day. Admission at the door is $11. For $35, a Priority Shopping Pass grants access to the market all four days, with entry beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday. The priority shopping pass will also be available in conjunction with a ticket to any special event.

Market-goers will find a check-in near the ticket windows for strollers, carts, rolling bags and wagons, as they're not permitted inside for the safety of others, nor are pets. Free shuttles run throughout the parking areas, and pedi-cabs will carry shoppers to their cars.

All Nutcracker Market special events tickets include repeat admission all four days:

• Wells Fargo Preview Party (tickets start at $150) – Wednesday, November 11 (7-10:30 p.m.) Chairmen: Laura Eastman – Kathy Galt – Kris McGee
• Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon (tickets start at $133) – Thursday, November 12 (9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Chairmen: Wendy Burks – Patti Murphy – Rachel Regan
• Macy’s Fashion Show and Holiday Brunch (tickets start at $83) – Friday, November 13 (9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Chairmen: Cynthia Christ – Karan Robinson
• Priority Shopping (tickets are $35) – Thursday and Friday, November 12-13 (9 a.m.-8 p.m.)

In 1981, visions of sugar plums inspired long-time Houston Ballet supporter Preston Frazier to approach the board members of Houston Ballet with a new way to raise needed funds for the Houston Ballet Foundation, its academy and scholarship programs. His dream of a holiday market in the tradition of European or Latin American street markets has grown steadily and spectacularly from humble beginnings in a church-bazaar setting to a four-day shopping extravaganza at Reliant Center.

Since then, the Nutcracker Market has contributed over $26 million to Houston Ballet Foundation to support its academy and scholarship programs, which nurture and develop young, promising dancers who have and will become the backbone of Houston Ballet. Currently more than 50 percent of the dancers in the company have received at least part of their training at Houston Ballet's Ben Stevenson Academy.

Performances of The Nutcracker run November 27 – December 27, 2009 at Wortham Theater Center. Tickets start at just $31 and may be purchased at the Nutcracker Market, by calling (713) 227 ARTS or online at www.houstonballet.org.

For more information, contact Houston Ballet Foundation at (713) 535 3271 or nutcrackermarket@houstonballet.org.