Chamber Kicks Off Fall Festivities With Shoptoberfest

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The Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (GSPACC) is kicking off fall and the Halloween season with its annual Shoptoberfest event to encourage the community to shop locally and shop small.

“Shoptoberfest is a Shop Local event organized by the chamber to promote our small businesses and nonprofits to the community,” said GSPACC CEO Liz League.

Shoptoberfest will be held on October 23 from 11:00am to 3:00pm in Park Plaza at 500 Ritchie Highway. A section of the parking lot in front of Ledo Pizza will be blocked off for parking.

“We revamped the event a few years ago to take on a ‘Halloween’ twist, holding it closer to Halloween and adding in the trick-or-treat feature at each exhibitor’s table,” said League. “It was a huge hit in 2019 and we look forward to another exciting event.”

Many local businesses will be present at vendor tables, ready to distribute candy, sell products, hand out food samples and more. There will be a local DJ, a photo booth and games. For children aged 10 and under, there will be a costume contest with categories such as scariest, most original, most creative and creepiest. Four-legged family members are also welcomed and can also enter a costume contest with the same categories.

“This is a fun, family-friendly event that brings the community together with the businesses in a very festive atmosphere,” said League.

EscapeTime, Severna Park Mathnasium, the Severna Park Community Center, and other small businesses will be present. Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi will have a martial arts demo and two local dance groups will perform.

Many other small businesses are sponsoring the event. There are three levels of sponsorship - bronze for GSPACC members only, silver and gold level. Gold-level sponsorship also includes a 50% donation to a charity of each business’ choice and an oversized check to present to the organization.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said League. “Come out and meet a few while having a great afternoon and get an early jump on trick or treating.”

League hopes that this event is fun and entertaining for the community, but also that it inspires people to support the small businesses that make the community great.

“Our motto at the chamber is ‘Buy Local or Bye Local,’” said League. “This is our opportunity to showcase our businesses that give us so much – jobs, desired goods and services, donations and tax dollars that strengthen our local economy. We hope that people will be reminded of the importance of the Shop Local concept while having a great time at the event.”

To learn more about the event or to get involved visit www.gspacc.com, call 410-647-3900 or email info@gspacc.com.

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