Free Parking Thursday Evenings Means Shopping and Date Night in Downtown Portland
Portland’s Downtown Marketing Initiative Unveils “Holidate with Downtown” Program
PORTLAND, Ore., December 7, 2010 – Dashing through downtown this holiday season? Busy shoppers can park their sleighs for free at SmartPark garages every Thursday evening in December. Live music on the streets, special events in more than 25 stores, and extra holiday cheer at participating restaurants will welcome shoppers as part of the Downtown Marketing Initiative’s inaugural “Holidate with Downtown” program.
“Downtown is the perfect place to enjoy a festive evening, and the Holidate program adds another level of enjoyment and convenience to holiday shopping,” says Courtney S. Ries, Director of the Downtown Marketing Initiative. “Whether you’re looking to find a unique gift, or just to enjoy a night at one of our remarkable restaurants, you can do it all downtown.”
“Holidate with Downtown” events include everything from special trunk shows at locally owned boutiques like Covet and sales from famous milliner Dayna Pinkham, to discounts at stores such as Banana Republic and food and drink savings at restaurants, including Macaroni Grill. Live music along the transit mall from 4:30-6:30 p.m., sponsored by Portland Mall Management, Inc., will complete the cheerful atmosphere. A complete list of in-store events and promotions is online at downtownportland.org.
Select Holidate events this Thursday, December 9, 2010, include:
• Downtown Artistry: 5-7 p.m.
Watch in-store artist demonstrations and enjoy light refreshments.
• Mercantile: 4-7 p.m.
Shop the Winter Bling jewelry trunk show featuring special pieces from Safia, Steven Vaubel and more.
• Portland Saturday Market at Pedal Bike Tours: 5-7 p.m.
Meet and greet artists who incorporate bicycles into their products and shop their handmade crafts.
• Pinkham Millinery: 5-8 p.m.
Pick up the perfect gift at Pinkham Millinery’s sale — 15% off the Apprentice Cocktail Hat Collection.
• Saucebox: 4 p.m.-close
Every Thursday in December, Saucebox will feature a specialty HOLIDATE cocktail for just $5.
• Under U4 Men: 4-9 p.m.
Enjoy the Accessories for Men Event with complimentary wine; live models and professional stylist Jason from JE Salon; featured wallets by Dosh, and Happy Socks of Sweden for your feet.
Through a partnership with the City of Portland and SmartPark garages, visitors are invited to take advantage of free evening parking at all downtown SmartPark garages when they enter a SmartPark garage between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. every Thursday in December. All vehicles that enter and park during this time period will receive free parking for the entire evening; no additional forms or validation are necessary. A complete list of SmartPark garages, as well as hours of operation, can be found at www.portlandonline.com/smartpark.
If free parking, in-store promotions and festive music to shop by aren’t enough, Downtown Portland is offering shoppers a chance to win some of their favorite holiday items in a Facebook sweepstakes. Downtown Portland Facebook fans (www.facebook.com/downtownportland) can choose their three favorite items from a holiday wish list, with three winners selected weekly.
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About the Downtown Marketing Initiative:
The Downtown Marketing Initiative is a public, private partnership created and funded by the City of Portland and its partners that is dedicated to promoting the long-term vitality of downtown Portland. Since its inception in 2006, the Downtown Marketing Initiative has successfully supported downtown during a period of intense redevelopment and has become a critical economic stimulus tool in the current financial climate. For more information please visit www.downtownportland.org.
About SmartPark:
SmartPark is Portland’s most affordable and conveniently located parking. Shoppers, business clients and visitors enjoy 6 downtown city-owned SmartPark public facilities with nearly 4,000 public spaces. SmartPark garages offer the lowest short-term hourly rates and are close to your favorite restaurants, retailers and cultural venues. Whatever brings you downtown, you’ll find a convenient, affordable and safe place to park that’s close to your favorite destination.
