La Plata, MD – La Plata Business Association (LPBA) announces free activities at the second annual Shop La Plata celebration on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the town of La Plata, Maryland.
In small-towns across America, Small Business Saturday is celebrated to help small businesses kick off the busy holiday shopping season. This year, twenty-three neighborhood champions have joined together to recognize the day and to commit to serve as ambassadors, encouraging family and friends to shop small at independently-owned shops and restaurants in La Plata.
La Plata is Southern Maryland’s most festive small-town shopping and dining destination for the holidays. Thirty of the town’s favorite local independently owned shops and restaurants open their doors and offer special promotions and giveaways. Ask participating small businesses how to enter the passport giveaway for a chance to win the $1,000 holiday shopping spree.
“This year’s event will be even bigger and better, in part, because twelve first-time small business participants take part in the celebration along with eighteen returning participants,” says Donna Padgett, owner of Optical Shoppe of La Plata.
First-time participants include:
- Breathe Pilates Place
- BritStyle Hair
- Bobbi Rucci’s Famous Deli & Doughboys
- Colonial Liquors
- Essenza Escape Day Spa
- Halo Salon
- Galazio Restaurant
- Greene Turtle
- Illusions Hair and Nail Salon
- Marie’s Diner and Gift Shop
- Red Oak Bistro
- University of Maryland Auxiliary Gift Shop
Jolly ole St. Nick arrives in grand style at 10:00 a.m. to board the Polar Express at the La Plata Train Station Museum to give the first 300 children a bell that rings for all those who believe. Children are encouraged to attend in their PJ’s to board the Polar Express. A professional photographer will be available or you can take your own family photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus until 3:00 p.m. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, sing-a-long caroling and a Santa letter writing station.
Take a merry self-guided walking tour around town to enjoy the sights, tastes and sounds of the holiday season. Admire the decorated historic landmarks and storefronts and enjoy festive live music and entertainment in unusual places. Cast your vote for the best traditional and whimsical exterior décor in the people’s choice award survey.
Visit the Holi-Pop Gallery, curated by Southern Maryland artists, and explore the open-air La Plata Farmer’s Market, featuring local artisans and skilled holiday crafters.
Park at the Charles County Government Building at 200 Baltimore Street and take the free-shuttle bus that will loop the downtown business district, making frequent stops at participating small merchants.
Donate bagged nonperishable food for the Boy Scouts of America’s ‘Scouting for Food’ program to support local food pantries to feed the hungry, now through Small Business Saturday, at participating small businesses and neighborhood champions. No glass jars, please.
For inquiries, please call Christine Parker at 301-751-7553.