Santa Claus Relaxing With A Good Book!

B y Carol McCracken  (Post # 352)

Downtown Portland invites the public to shop at its 8th annual Merry Madness on Thursday, December 17th from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.  Over 70 local stores will extend their business hours to accommodate the public’s shopping for that special gift to finish (or begin) holiday shopping.

Merry Madness kicks off at the Eastland Park Hotel, 157 High Street, from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with free hors d’oeuvres, etc.  Free bus service from the Eastland Park Hotel will be provided between 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.  Merchants on Commercial Street, Congress Street, Exchange Street, Fore Street, High Street, Market Street, Middle Street, Milk Street and more are participating in this holiday event.

“There is nothing to get you ino the holiday spirit like walking through downtown Portland’s famuous shopping district.  Merry Madness brings back the tradition of supporting local shops and experiencing persnjal customer service,” says Jan Beigtzer, Executive Director of Portland’s Downtown District.

Merry Madness is a Portland Downtown Distrit event.  PDD is a non-profit business improvement district.  It’s a leader and facilitator in the support and promtion of the economic vitality of downtown Portland.  PDD produces special events and marketing programs throughout the year to attract people to the downtown district.