OCEAN CITY – Local businesses are joining together to kick off the 1st Annual Jingle Bell Mingle event, and are offering specials to help raise awareness that shopping is still alive in Ocean City during the holidays.
Jingle Bell Mingle will take place on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Start your holiday shopping by visiting any of the participating stores and pick up your shopping card. Bring your card to every store to be stamped. Once your card is completely full, take it to Fresco’s between 3 and 5:30 p.m. to enter for drawings. Approximately $1,000 worth of gift cards and gift baskets will be given away. No purchase is necessary to win and you don’t have to be present at the drawing to win. It is one card per person over the age of 18.
Tammy Knowles, owner of You’re Invited, and manager Nancy Samuels have organized Jingle Bell Mingle to help keep the holiday spirit alive for the local small businesses.
“We came up with the idea to have a shopping day where we are trying to get people to come into Ocean City to support the local stores,” Samuels said.
The event is collaborating with the Maryland Food Bank where all donations will stay in Worcester County and 75 percent of the donations will go to children in need. Bring a non-perishable food item to the Food Bank truck parked in front of You’re Invited at 2805 Philadelphia Ave. and receive an extra ticket for a $50 gift card drawing at Fresco’s. Kid-friendly foods such as peanut butter, cereal, pop tarts etc. are appreciated.
“We wanted a charity that would keep the donations local and we were able to request all the donations go to Worcester County,” Samuels said.
Jingle Bell Mingle offers something for everyone on your Christmas list. All the participating stores are locally owned and will have specials on the shopping day.
Somerset Jewelers is a family owned business since 1976 specializing in bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and accessories. The special for the day is a 16- or 18-inch sterling silver chain only $4 with the purchase of a charm or pendant.
Raggamuffin has been an Ocean City boutique since 1994 featuring jewelry, accessories and lovely frocks for day or night. The special for the day is on all clothing and jewelry; buy one at regular price get the second for half price.
You’re Invited is a unique boutique specializing in jewelry, scarves, clothing, home accessories, invitations, chef wear and tuxedo rentals. The special for the day is 20 percent off regular priced merchandise, and receive a free gift with your purchase, as well as free gift wrapping.
Coconut Kids has a large selection of clothing and accessories from infants to juniors. The special of the day is 25 percent off all winter clothing.
Liquid Assets is a favorite stop for fun and libations with gift sets and gift baskets available. The special for the day is 10 percent off all gift sets with free gift wrapping.
Paws and Claws, etc., carries only healthy food, treats and health items for pets, as well as collars, leashes, toys and clothing for any occasion. The special for the day is 10 percent off all Christmas pet toys.
Donaway furniture offers mattresses, gift items and unique accessories. The special of the day is 25 percent off all in-stock non-clearance items and take advantage of their free local delivery.
Visit Creative Day Spa to pick up a gift card for someone special, or schedule an appointment and pamper yourself for the holidays. The special for the day is scarves are two for $20 and jewelry is half price.
Drop off your cards at Fresco’s at the end of the day. The drawing will be held at 6 p.m. The restaurant will be offering snacks, as well as wine gift baskets for 25 percent off. The special of the day is a complimentary wine tasting and free 10 percent VIP discount cards.
“We want to show everybody how much is really open in Ocean City. They don’t need to go to the big box stores. Keep the money local and keep us alive,” Samuels said.