HIGH POINT, N.C. — One of the biggest events in the triad is bringing an international spotlight to our area.
The High Point Furniture Market attracts people from all over the planet.
It generates more money for the local economy than any other event in our state.
The market is a huge money maker for local shops.
The semi-annual event puts North Carolina on the map.
It draws thousands of people to High Point and brings in more than $6 billion of revenue for the state.
Part of that is revenue for local businesses.
Plank Street Tavern off Church Street has added live music during market week to entertain the 75,000 guests who flood the city.
The Tavern typically doesn't offer food, but they're providing free meals for this year's market.
Owner Pam Hubay said she knows how long the days can be for exhibitors and wants to ensure their stay is enjoyable.
They've even had marketgoers return multiple times this week.
"This is a little busy for a Monday night," Hubay said. "A majority of the people in there are market people some first time tonight, others have been in every night since they've been here."
Over at Rixister Grill on Tinsley Drive, they've been busy at their restaurant and catering for the market showrooms.
The owner Craig Ceresi said since showrooms opened Saturday they've had to turn some catering gigs down.
"We have a lot of opportunity to do it but we have to worry about our in-house customers first before we can do the catering outside of our four walls," Ceresi said. "I'd love to do more but with the way the economy is and the way staffing is we have to make sure we're taking care of our everyday customers."
Ceresi said he's seeing a bigger turnout at his restaurant this fall compared to last year.
The furniture market isn't only about purchasing high-end furniture.
There are educational and social events held during the market.
The fall market has 2,000 exhibitors and runs through Wednesday, Oct. 18.