To add to the fun, visitors are also encouraged to take a photo with friends and family at the OB photo booth. (Photo courtesy of Ocean Beach MainStreet Association)
OCEAN BEACH – Ocean Beach MainStreet Association‘s annual Shop Small campaign is returning, with the kick off on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Newport Avenue.
“OBMA encourages locals and visitors alike to not only shop in OB on Nov. 29, but to enjoy the holiday spirit and what small towns like Ocean Beach have to offer,” Kristen Keltner, OBMA’s events and program manager, said.
What are some of those unique finds? Keltner points to the holiday decorations on light posts in the downtown business district and Christmas photo opportunities with the Pacific Ocean or the “Happy Holiday OB” banner, draped across the 4900 block of Newport Avenue, as a backdrop.
On Saturday, shoppers who spend $50 or more at an Ocean Beach shop, restaurant or bar can stop by the MainStreet association’s welcome booth in Veterans Plaza Park, 1900 Ocean Front Way, to spin the wheel for a chance to win local swag, gift cards and other prizes.
OBeachy Bingo also launches on Shop Small Saturday. Shoppers can visit the welcome booth to pick up a bingo card and search for a flock of “OB Parrots” throughout Ocean Beach. Completed bingo cards must be turned in by Dec. 20 for a chance to win prizes.
Keltner explains the parrots, saying the promotion “encourages people to stroll Ocean Beach and look for 96 parrots that have flocked to local businesses. Maybe you’ll discover a business you didn’t know about and find the perfect holiday gift.”
What’s dubbed Shop Small Saturday in Ocean Beach is part of the movement known as Small Business Saturday, which follows Black Friday at the beginning of the post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping season.
Here are other neighborhoods in and outside of San Diego celebrating Small Business Saturday
Barrio Logan – Chicano Shop Hop at at Por Vida Cafe from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Por Vida Cafe in Barrio Logan is putting on The Barrio Logan Chicano Shop, showcasing the neighborhood’s culture and creativity, while allowing people to support small businesses. The event will feature over 75 local gift shops, artisans, record stores, vintage shops and many others.
Hillcrest – Small Business Saturday at Revision from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Revision is a Creative Arts Program and vendor with the San Diego Regional Center, which serves people with developmental disabilities. They will be hosting a Small Business Saturday at their gallery in Hillcrest, where you can purchase art from some of their artists in residence.
North Park – Shop Local Saturday will take place all day at participating locations.
You’ll find deals at your favorite local spots and have the opportunity to grab a free cup of joe when you spend $10 at participating locations.
North Park – Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Latina-owned Small Business Saturday Sip n’ Shop event will be taking place at Queen Bee’s.
College Area / San Carlos – San Carlos Marketplace at 7874 Lake Tahoe Ave from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A group of local artisans are hosting a pop-up Small Business Saturday event complete with complimentary snacks from Terra Catering.
Coronado – Rotary Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Coronado’s Small Business Saturday event will feature a DJ to keep spirits high, and gift wrapping, in case you don’t want to do it on your own. Shop Small passports will be available at the Coronado MainStreet table at Rotary Park.
La Mesa – The Water Conservation Garden from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Water Conservation Garden will be hosting a Craft Fair for Small Business Saturday, featuring handmade crafts from local artisans and fun for the whole family (including live alpacas).
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