Buy Local Festival encourages residents to shop and stay local and support local schools

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Aug. 26, 2013 - PRLog -- CELEBRATING SANTA MONICA AND THE BUSINESSESS THAT MAKE IT A DISTINCT BEACHFRONT CITY- BUY LOCAL FESTIVAL ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO SHOP AND STAY LOCAL AND SUPPORT LOCAL SCHOOLS

(Santa Monica, CA – August 23, 2013)  Offering an array of programming and activities as well as discounts and offers around Santa Monica, the Buy Local Festival will take place on September 21 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the Third Street Promenade.  Sponsored by The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, the City of Santa Monica and Downtown Santa Monica the event will feature cooking demos, shopping events, performances and activities will be held around the city.

“The goal of the Buy Local festival is to celebrate our local business, get people feeling good about shopping locally and rewarding them for doing it.” says Jennifer Taylor, Principal of the Buy Local Campaign.  The revenue from local sales tax stays in our community and maintains vital city services, helps fund our excellent public schools, and promotes a diverse mix of businesses.  “

This year the festival celebrates five ways to Buy Local; Shop Local, Shop Local, Live and Stay Local and Bike and Walk Local.  With free cooking demos, product and service booths, free dance and yoga classes, and information on City of Santa Monica programs and activities the event showcases the services and products of Santa Monica businesses to the 6000 locals and visitors on the Promenade.

“ This event is a great way for local businesses to come together with the locals and visitors, “ said Laurel Rosen, President of Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce.  “This year we have added partnerships and programming with the Santa Monica Farmers Market, Area Hotels, Restaurants and Retail destinations to create a unique city wide event where locals can stay local and help bring revenue back to our city.”

Play Local presents, on two stages, free dance, yoga and fitness classes, as well as live music, and performances from Santa Monica students. Live and Stay Local offers an interactive map where attendees can identify where they live, their favorite spots to shop and eat, and stay. The Eat Local Stage features information about the City of Santa Monica’s sustainable food commitment, how to buy produce on a budget from the Santa Monica Farmers Market and to prepare delicious meals for the whole family. Local favorite eateries will also have Cooking Demos on stage.

In addition to events on the Third Street Promenade, each business district has Buy Local activities planned. Sidewalk sales from participating businesses on Montana Avenue, Main Street, and Pico will occur during Buy Local Week. “Love your Local” promotions will also take place at your favorite restaurants and stores.  Buying locally supports a sustainable local economy.

Event sponsors include: LA Car Guy, Whole Foods, Downtown Santa Monica and The City of Santa Monica Sustainable Works Department.

ABOUT BUY LOCAL

Buy Local Santa Monica is a campaign that was created by representatives of the Santa Monica business community and the City of Santa Monica to support local businesses and raise awareness of the community, economic and environmental benefits of choosing local first

ABOUT SANTA MONICA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce advocates and represents business' interests and issues affecting the community. They provide the environment to help members prosper and succeed through a proactive working partnership with all levels of government and community organization. More information can be found at www.smchamber.com

For more information please check out www.smchamber.com/buylocalexpo or call 310-393-9825