Christmas decorations, homemade candy, unique jewelry and clothing are just a few of the things holiday shoppers will be able to purchase at the 20th anniversary of Marketplace in Gainesville.

Marketplace will continue today at the Gainesville Civic Center from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Marketplace began in 1992 and is an annual fundraiser to benefit Northeast Georgia Medical Center. All of the proceeds from this year's Marketplace will go to the Radiology and Oncology Center to help remodel the busy center.

Brenda Jones, volunteer coordinator at the medical center, said the event has already broken a record for them. More than 500 people showed up at the preview party Thursday night.

"That's one of the good things that's nice about Marketplace is the community is always behind it. They support it," Jones said.

Marketplace gives people a chance to start their holiday shopping early and take care of the difficult people on their Christmas list first.

"It's fun. You can find things for that hard person to buy for, unique gifts and opportunities," Nicole Burkett of Cleveland said.

Burkett and her family have made Marketplace a holiday tradition. They have been coming to the event for the last 10 years.

"We like to come and have a girls day out," Burkett said.

The holiday shopping event features 72 different vendors selling everything from handmade soap to neckties. Many of the vendors are regulars for Marketplace, only 13 are new to the event this year.

Not only does the event have unique finds but also gourmet food available to shoppers at tea carts located throughout the civic center.

Patsy Baldwin of Madison came to Marketplace with her three granddaughters and her daughter-in-law. She purchased homemade toffee, made from an old English family recipe.

"I've been here once before and it's lots of fun. It gets you in the Christmas spirit," Baldwin said.