Perris Reed has launched a new vendor- and community-based venture, and plans are in the works for her first pop-up event.

“Gather ‘Round the Christmas Tree” is scheduled for 12-4 p.m. Nov. 30 at “The O” and it will be a one-stop holiday shop.

“We’ll have between 30 and 40 vendors from all over the state,” Reed said.

They will feature a variety of products – from pottery, handmade candles, and crochet items to clothing, jewelry, flowers, woodwork art, baked goods and more. The event will also feature live music, food and festive drinks.but the real draw – as it has always been for Reed – is a gathering of the community.

“It is a social setting – people shopping, sipping drinks and listening to ‘Key to Adam,’ who we are so happy was available,” she said. “Santa will be on the porch for the kids and Jerry Jolliff will be there with poinsettias from Oliverio’s Florist. The social tap will be open upstairs with food and a mimosa bar and we’ll have food trucks.”

Although her “Gather ‘Round” business is new, Reed has plenty of experience combining creative vendors. She formerly owned “Market on Main” on West Main Street and has organized pop-up events, including those at “The O” and The Wonder Bar.

She sold the store in February of 2024 to spend more time with her two young children.

“I felt really sad that I was choosing to step away from it, but I also needed to,” she said. “I was burning the candle at both ends.”

As the months ticked by, she was inspired to return to her passion, but not in a full-time fashion. She had maintained good relationships with the vendors she had worked with, and she had a great support system, including family who encouraged her. “Gather ‘Round” was born and like its name, the concept came with plenty of options for growth.

“It was Sam Hall (of Eighteenth Avenue) who came up with the name and I loved it immediately,” Reed said. “We will start with Gather ‘Round the Christmas Tree and continue the theme for whatever season we are in. My goal is to eventually host four events per year.”

Reed extends appreciation to Hall, who initially ran her social media and branding, as well as Hali Phares (C&H Expressions), who eventually took over the duties after Hall opened her own storefront in Bridgeport. Both were vendors at Market on Main.

“Our journeys keep crossing – the people I met through Market on Main – and it is humbling to have their trust and support. I really want them all to be successful,” Reed said.

While running Market on Main, Reed was always adamant about being inclusive and supporting the needs of community members. She hosted an annual Halloween costume drive, supported the Kids Coupon Program and Food and Farm Coalition, and distributed suicide prevention resources, among other programs.

“It wasn’t just a business. The goal was about bringing people together,” she said.

That concept continues through “Gather ‘Round.”

There will be a nominal fee to enter, but shoppers will receive goody bags with seasonal items as well as one free drink ticket and a raffle ticket for prizes.

Serving as major event sponsors are The Wonder Bar, Jenkins Subaru and Adam Grubler D.D.S. There are smaller sponsorship opportunities for local businesses who would like to provide something for the goody bags or become involved in some other way.

“Reach out to me if you are interested to be involved in any type of way,” she said. “The more the merrier.”

Those interested in securing vendor spots or being involved in the event can reach out to Reed at gatherround14@gmail.com or use the QR code above.

The “O” by Oliverio’s is located at 2036 Anmoore Road.