It may still be October, but Monticello plans to ring in Christmas season early.

Jingle Bell Jubilee is the theme of the Monticello Marketplace which will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We’re very excited about this weekend,” said Monticello Mayor Martha Watts. “Our downtown stores are excited about it. It’s going to be chilly, but I think it’ll be beautiful outside.”

This is the 13th year for the marketplace. A new addition this year is the Courthouse Cruise-In on Broad Street. Classic cars, sponsored by the Tri-county Cruisers, will drive into town.

Watts will award her favorite car with the Mayor’s choice award.

Gay McElroy, executive director of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, said organizers are to see over 30 vendors in the downtown area.

“Our local stores will have sidewalk sales. We try to encourage people to start their Christmas shopping with us,” said McElroy. “It’s an arts and crafts festival.”

Broad Street will be closed to traffic while the festival is going on. Funnel cakes, ice cream, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken on a stick and fried fish are some of the foods that will be available.

Junebug’s, Monticello’s newest shop, located in the Old Downtown Market building, will have its grand opening. They will be selling gifts, yard art and pottery.

For more information, contact the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce at 601-587-2211.