Why Shop Local?
Holiday cheer and Christmas nostalgia have arrived and everyone’s credit card statements are at their peak! If you are going to spend an arm and a leg on Christmas shopping, why not shop locally with reduced prices and a benefit to the community and small businesses? With consumerism culture and the growing trend of having to buy buy buy for christmas, actual “christmas shopping” in a real store is becoming a lost art. This is due to reasons that senior Brooke Cubbage highlights. “I buy all my presents online because it’s easier than in a store,” she said. “I really don’t know where to buy gifts. It’s hard to actually shop in person.”
Everyone hears “shop local” but finding something that a loved one will actually enjoy can be difficult. Going to a Christmas event where many types of gifts are all in one place can make Christmas shopping much easier. It can even spark ideas that you had never even thought of! As a bonus, you will be benefiting small businesses that often struggle due to large companies like Amazon.
Mistletoe Market
Mount Olive’s own Turkey Brook Park is currently hosting its “Mistletoe Market” event which includes food trucks, a delicious hot chocolate and brownie truck, and lots of local vendors offering a variety of holiday shopping for the Christmas season. In addition, there are performers and a bonfire to add to the cozy atmosphere. Go check it out December 13 through December 15 and grab some gifts while enjoying holiday cheer!
Ort Farms
If you know younger children that enjoy crafts and pictures with Santa, head over to Ort Farms’ Winter Wonderland! They will be running this festivity December 14th and 15th from 10 AM to 4 PM, so head on over for a great time! Ort Farms will also be hosting North Pole Workshops on December 21 and 22! Tickets can be found here
Spin to Win (Chester)
Over in Chester is a one of a kind activity called Spin-to-Win which allows the player to win up to $100 worth of “Chester Dollars” to be used at participating locations within Chester!
SPINNING RULES: Bring your luck & a receipt!
- In order to spin, you must have spent at least $25 at an HCBA Member business. Bring your receipt to the table to spin.
- The receipt must be from the same day you spin
- Multiple spins can be made daily. 1 spin = 1 receipt of $25 or more at a participating business. If you use Chester Dollars to make a purchase, the amount paid minus the Chester Dollars used must exceed $25 to qualify for another spin.
This event will run from 1 to 4 PM on December 15 and December 21. Donate money to a good cause and win some cash to fund your Christmas shopping!
Late Nights in Chester
Downtown Chester will be open late in coming weeks! Bring your friends and family for a fun evening! Stroll downtown and enjoy an evening of holiday shopping in Chester’s many boutiques! While in town enjoy live entertainment by Elvis the Elf and holiday music by SC3 Entertainment. This event will run on Thursday, December 19th!
