For Immediate Release

Contact: Kara Norman

Downtown Frederick Partnership

301-698-8118

DOWNTOWN OPEN HOUSE AND FIRST SATURDAY GALLERY WALK

November 1^st Events Highlight Shops and Restaurants in Downtown Frederick

There’s twice as much fun in store for patrons of Downtown Frederick on Saturday, November 1. Two special events— the annual Downtown Open House and First Saturday Gallery Walk, both held from 6 to 9 p.m.—will provide unique opportunities for shopping and dining and enjoying the best of what Downtown Frederick has to offer.

The Open House offers a preview of merchandise that downtown specialty shops are featuring during the upcoming holiday season. To create a festive mood, the sidewalks along Market and Patrick Streets will be aglow with luminaries. There also will be free carriage rides and complimentary refreshments at participating stores.

“The Open House is a wonderful way to begin—or maybe even finish—your holiday shopping,” states April Reardon, owner of Velvet Lounge and co-chair of the Downtown Frederick Partnership’s Promotions Committee. “It’s also a great time to make your own wish list and let that special someone know what you’d like for the holidays.” Reardon adds that last year’s Open House was well attended and well received by local residents and out-of-towners alike. “It’s a special night for shoppers and for merchants, too—and it helps us all get into the holiday spirit a little earlier than usual.”

Hosting the Open House on the same evening as First Saturday Gallery Walk will add to the fun, Reardon predicts. First Saturday highlights more than 60 downtown galleries, shops, and restaurants that remain open until 9 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month. Featured artists, new exhibits and product lines, live entertainment, and refreshments make Gallery Walk a unique experience with a personality all its own.

“Lots of people make a night of it and come downtown for dinner, then stay and shop,” Reardon explains. “First Saturday and other events—like the Open House and Frosty Friday—really do add to the charm and appeal of Downtown Frederick. It’s the place to be.” Frosty Friday, a new event, is scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving, November 28. Downtown merchants will pamper Frosty Friday shoppers from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. with strolling street musicians and carolers, live holiday windows, early breakfast hours at participating restaurants, free gift wrapping, free deck parking, and—of course—the chance to visit with Santa.

The Downtown Open House, First Saturday Gallery Walk, and Frosty Friday are sponsored by the Downtown Frederick Partnership in cooperation with downtown merchants, the Tourism Council of Frederick County, the Maryland State Arts Council and the city’s Department of Economic Development. For more information on these and other upcoming events, contact the Downtown Frederick Partnership at 301-698-8118.