NEWS RELEASE
November 17, 2010
Contact: Roxanne Eflin
Program Director, Maine Downtown Center
207.229.9465 reflin@mdf.org

Augusta - “Take ME Downtown for the Holidays!” is the new seasonal campaign launched today by the Maine Downtown Center. “We invite everyone in Maine to celebrate the holidays and feel the spirit of the season by visiting their local downtown. Historic buildings and Main Streets are beautifully decorated and festive holiday events are planned statewide,” said Roxanne Eflin, Program Director of the Maine Downtown Center.

Downtown Biddeford will be lit from Elm Street to the Saco River, Rockland’s famous Lobster Trap Tree is larger than ever, and Waterville’s Kringleville is ideal for families. Holiday sales, carriage rides, music, hot chocolate and treats, personalized customer service, free gift wrapping, connecting with friends and family and, of course, Santa, are all traditions found in downtowns across Maine. “I love being downtown in December,” said Nadeen DeSilva, Director of Saco Spirit. “I have wonderful childhood memories there that I want to keep alive for my kids and their kids.”

All nine designated Main Street communities and the 13 towns and cities designated as Downtown Network communities provide a traditional historic setting to celebrate the season. Unique locally-owned businesses and restaurants help complete a memorable holiday experience and provide an authentic alternative to the bustle of shopping. According to the National Trust Main Street Center and the recent Making Maine Work report by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and the Maine Development Foundation, supporting local businesses strengthens the local economy and entire communities in numerous ways.

Visit the Maine Downtown Holiday Events Calendar at www.mdf.org then make plans with your friends and family. Say “Take ME downtown for the holidays!”

Main Street Maine communities:
Bath, Biddeford, Gardiner, Rockland, Saco, Sanford, Skowhegan, Van Buren, and Waterville

Maine Downtown Network communities:
Augusta, Belfast, Brunswick, Bucksport, Damariscotta, Dover-Foxcroft, Farmington, Lisbon Falls, Machias, Madawaska, Millinocket, Norway, and Presque Isle
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