The tour will take patrons to locally owned businesses in a variety of Louisville neighborhoods. A $35 registration fee includes opening and closing receptions, door prizes and transportation to more than a dozen shops on Barrett Avenue, East Market Street (NULU), Frankfort Avenue, Mellwood Avenue and in Butchertown.
The trip is open to the public, but bus seating is limited. UofL faculty, staff, students and alumni will receive priority for bus seats.
“Our goal is to expose our faculty, staff and friends to many of the shops and restaurants that make Louisville such a special place,” said John Drees, one of the event organizers. “This event supports the local business community and helps our shoppers find many items you can only find in these unique stores.”
Activities will begin with festive drinks and a light breakfast at the University Club on Belknap Campus at 8 a.m. Shoppers will board a bus at about 9 a.m. and head to a series of stops, including several stores that will be open only to the group. The group will return to the University Club for a closing reception from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. It will feature free holiday decorating and mixology demonstrations and samples, hot hors d’oeuvres and door prizes.
Shoppers who purchase from at least five stores will be entered into the LIBA “Shift Your Shopping Contest,” which includes a drawing for a $1,000 “Buy Local” shopping spree.
LIBA seeks to preserve the unique character of Louisville Metro by promoting locally owned businesses and to educate citizens on the value of buying locally. For more information on LIBA and a member list, see Keep Louisville Weird.
A more detailed itinerary and more information on the Holiday Cards “Buy Local” Shopping Tour are online. To register, call Alice Wissel at 502-852-3533.
