PORT TOWNSEND — The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally considered one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
Downtown Port Townsend merchants say that, for many local residents, it provides an opportunity to drive to Silverdale or Sequim in search of the latest big-box bargains.
So they are providing an alternative to the madness, offering people a chance to stay home with their families Friday and instead devote Saturday to holiday shopping at local sales.
“We want to get people to shop locally and have a great experience,” said Port Townsend Main Street executive director Mari Mullen.
“We have lots of great small businesses, where people can find things that they can’t get everywhere else.
“Everything they buy here is unique, and has been picked out by the merchant.”
On Saturday, 36 downtown merchants will participate in an open house, offering sales and special promotions.
The celebration is tied to “Small Business Saturday,” which is occurring nationwide and sponsored by individual Main Street Programs as a way to promote local businesses.
Port Townsend is a cut above and is one of three-including Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Rosendale Village, New York that were singled out by American Express to receive special recognition in the form of a sponsorship.
“American Express called us and said they liked what we were doing, so we put our name into the hat for the sponsorship,” Mullen said.
As a result, American Express is supplying tote bags, T-shirts and prizes that will be used as shopping incentives.
There are 1,000 shopping totes to give away, and the day will include drawings for ten $100 American Express Gift Cards.
Shoppers can enter the drawings at the Port Townsend Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Flagship Landing from noon to 3 p.m. and at the “Wrap It Here” location at 909 Water St. from noon to 5 p.m.
Shoppers can get items purchased from local merchants wrapped for free.
Merchants will have treats, and be open later and there will be caroling in the streets and horse and carriage rides in the afternoon.
Additionally, a free holiday theatre performance will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Lehani’s Deli & Coffee, 221 Taylor St.
During this time, actor Charlie Bethel will perform a 20 minute excerpt from his one man show adapted from Dickens’ “Seven Poor Travellers.”
Mullen expects that Saturday’s event will demonstrate Port Townsend’s unique qualities and encourage additional downtown shopping.
“Giving someone a gift is an expression of love,” Mullen said.
“Shopping locally is a way to show that you love the recipient and that you love your home town.”
________
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
