Around Town Community
“...our downtown area and its stores are still open for business, and eager to assist you in that hunt for the perfect gift.”
Jeannine Mendoza Ed.D Ten years ago American Express launched Small Business Saturday on a national basis to encourage holiday shoppers to patronize local small businesses on the busiest shopping weekend of the year. Small Business Saturday is scheduled to fall between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Normally, here in Benicia, we kick off every holiday gift-giving season with a Holiday Open House & Tree Lighting that takes place the evening of the first Friday in December. This much anticipated regional event has occurred for the past 30 years, as First Street businesses welcomed shoppers, walkers, and other casual observers to enjoy some holiday refreshments and goodwill as they perused holiday merchandise, goods and services. During the tree-lighting ceremony, carols and other entertainment propelled all attendees into a jolly mood and ushered in the holiday season in an enjoyable and convivial manner. This year, however, nothing is normal, and although the tree lighting and Open
14 • Benicia Magazine
House festivities have been cancelled, our downtown area and its stores are still open for business, and eager to assist you in that hunt for the perfect gift. So begin your holiday shopping with Benicia’s Small Business Saturday, which falls on November 28th. The First Street merchants are mindful of existing health precautions, but everyone can socially distance themselves from others, wear face coverings, and still enjoy the season. Benicia is as charming and picturesque as it was before the pandemic, and the longsuffering shopkeepers and restaurant owners would appreciate and welcome your patronage. Shopping can make you hungry and yes, thirsty, so include a couple of breaks in your gift search and indulge in the bevy of restaurants, bars and eateries in the Benicia area. The restaurant hosts look forward to keeping you well-fed and hydrated during the holiday shopping season. They are available for carryout, dine-in and good times. And this year, especially after all we have been through, we really need some good times.
