Benicia Main Street announces the return of “Earlier Than The Bird” on Saturday, November 19th from 9am-Noon. The public is invited to jump out of bed on that Saturday morning in their pajamas and get a head start on holiday shopping.
Benicia's First Street retail stores and restaurants will offer special deals and treats like coffee, hot chocolate and Mimosas to participating shoppers. Participants are urged to wear their pajamas, robes and slippers. Many of the store owners will be doing the same. Early risers can grab a bite to eat at one of the many fine First Street restaurants serving breakfast.
According to Deborah Meyer, Event Coordinator for Benicia Main Street, “It’s a fun and festive way to kick off the season and many downtown communities are doing it across the nation.”
Why is it called Earlier Than The Bird? The event takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving; hence, the phrase refers to the turkey bird. However; more importantly, the idea is to capture holiday shopping dollars earlier than the corporate retail shopping day after Thanksgiving called Black Friday.
In the spirit of giving, the event will also feature a benefit for SafeQuest, a nonprofit organization established to provide safe houses and end domestic and sexual violence against women and children. Shoppers that wish to donate towards the cause are asked to bring a new pair of pajamas for women or children and drop off at a participating downtown business or at the SafeQuest information booth located at 370 First Street.
SafeQuest operates the only two safe houses for women and children in Solano County who are victims of domestic violence. SafeQuest has provided life saving services to rape and domestic abuse victims for over 30 years. All victim services are free of charge, confidential, and offered in English and Spanish.
Benicia Main Street sponsors many community events and retail promotions which bring thousands of visitors to Benicia's downtown. Main Street is a state and national network of grassroots downtown revitalization project that focuses on historic preservation and the enhancement of the downtown area. For more information, contact Benicia Main Street at 707-745-9791 or visit www.beniciamainstreet.org.
