LOUISVLLE, Ky. — A record number of shoppers are expected this Thanksgiving weekend – that’s according to the National Retail Federation.

About 182 million people are expected to make purchases. 

The holiday spirit is heating up in Louisville’s Paristown Point. Robert Burkett with Amish Made Ky, is selling cocktail smokers, and various wood work.

“It's like an upside down birthday cake inside, and it allows it to draw that smoke into your drink,” Burkett says. 

Friday is the first day Burkett and about 20 other vendors set up shop at the 2023 Fetê de Noël Winter Holiday Festival.

He said Black Friday business was typical for this time of year.

The six-week festival provides a space for families come together and a chance to get in on some holiday fun while also getting some shopping out of the way.

Madeline Rosenberg owns Ballyhoo Farm and Fiber Emporium. She said the market allows her Shelby County farm to connect with a wider audience.

 “This is a way to get the exposure that we need to keep the farm going. The farms supports the community and the community supports the farm,” Rosenberg said. 

As a small, local business, Rosenberg said it’s important to find the right price to sell her products on Black Friday.

“It's about connecting people with our farm and helping them to find just the right gift and keeping the price low enough that we can compete with the box stores. Because after all, it is Black Friday and everybody is looking for a deal,” Rosenberg said. 

Burkett said he enjoys being able to sell at the festival because of the various activities going on.

“It's a diverse crowd of people constantly coming and going.You have kids are on the train, people on the ice rink eating it, great food here at the cafe as well as at the village market. And it's just it's a great venue." 

The holiday market is open for six weeks.

Fetê de Noël is hosting various holiday themed events including karaoke on ice, drag queens on ice and movie nights.