"Whats up with red bag?"
I was enjoying a glass of wine at the Pure Wine Cafe in Ellicott City last night when I spotted this red bag hanging by the front door. I asked the Sommelier, Mark Bowman what the deal was.
"It's for First Friday," he told me. The red bag lets shoppers know that the restaurant is participating If a customer brings in a receipt from a Main Street retailer they got 5% off their check last night.
The Ellicott City Business Association is trying to promote evening shopping on Main Street. While there are plenty of places to eat and drink in the old town when the sun goes down, most of the other shops close up around six. On First Fridays participating retailers and galleries agree to stay open til eight.
It seemed to be working. Main Street was hopping when I rolled into to town around seven. There was even a wedding going on at Ellicott City Weddings and Events.
First Fridays occur on the first Friday of the month and are not to be confused with Second Sundays which occur on the second Sunday of the month. I'm just looking forward to the day when they decide to try out Thirsty Third Thursdays.