A Local Seasonal Tradition…

By Melissa Laurenbr

br'Hi! I'm Melissa Lauren and I've had fun hangin' out in your radio.', that's how you may have heard me sign off on such local radio stations as WRNR in Annapolis and WTMD in Baltimore. Christmas came early this year as I signed on to join the What's Up? Media team as Community & Resource Editor. I have always had a love of getting cultured by experiencing local and regional community events. My goal for this blog is to write about everything from family-friendly events, charitable events, visual and performing arts, sports and special events, concerts and festivals to happenings that are a stone's throw away – all of which include various diverse cultures. Thank you for reading and being a part of this vibrant community! br

brAs a native Annapolitan, I look forward to our local community events, many of which have turned into annual traditions. Midnight Madness certainly is one of those local seasonal traditions that simply cannot be missed!

Presented by the Annapolis Business Association, Midnight Madness has been bringing good cheer for more than 20 years in Downtown Annapolis. The local shops, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries stay open until the eleventh hour providing you refreshments such as warm cider, hot cocoa, wine and cheese, and amazing deals on those last minute holiday gifts for your special someone. This Thursday, December 18th is the last Midnight Madness of the season. Festivities start at 6pm.

brbrThis year whether you've been naughty or nice, the WRNR Rockin' Stocking contest will award one lucky participant the grand prize worth over $2,500. Shoppers may visit participating merchants to register to win. The stocking is filled with dozens of gift cards worth at least $50 each from local merchants, to use for yourself or to give as gifts. Good luck!

brbrFrom Susan Campbell Park, to Ego Alley, to Dock Street, the Market House, Main Street, Church Circle, State Circle, Maryland Avenue, and West Street you are sure to enjoy a variety of performances. The GreenLine Brass Quintet will be playing your favorite holiday classics outside Irish Traditions store on Main Street at 6pm. Minor Problems Quintet performs at the Christmas Tree at 6pm. There's no place like hometown theater! Actors from Children’s Theater of Annapolis' production of The Wizard of Oz can be found on the red brick road of Main Street on the Pocket Park next to Kilwin’s at 6pm. You can find Annacapella as they open for Jeremy Ragsdale Voice Studio's group, The Lead Singer–Holiday performance at parking lot at Stan & Joe’s at 6:15pm. Traditional tunes from Cousin Eddie at the Christmas Tree at 8:30pm. The Pride of Baltimore Chorus will be strolling the streets of DTA at 6pm wishing you a Merry Christmas. The Severn Chorus will bring good tidings strolling the streets at 8:30pm. br

brSean O’Neill, ABA President said, “We appreciate the support of Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis in helping us continue this ABA tradition. We want to draw residents and visitors downtown to enjoy the unique festive atmosphere of historic Annapolis during the holiday season. We continue to add exciting new displays, follow Snowflake Alley - a festive shortcut from Main Street to the shops on State Circle and Maryland Avenue.”

There are plenty of parking options downtown to attend the events. Lexus drivers will enjoy FREE valet parking during the event. The Valet drop of is adjacent to the tree at the foot of Main Street. The metered spaces are free for two hours through New Year's, and the Circulator Trolley picks up near all the city’s parking garages and throughout downtown to provide FREE shuttle rides so shoppers can hit every shop in town.

Annapolis Business Association HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS ARE HERE!

The ABA is pleased to announce the release of its 2014 holiday ornament. This year’s ornament features the historic St. Anne’s Church. The ornaments were designed and painted by local artist, Ms. Sarah Schabow, also known as the Ornament Scribe. The ornaments are available on a limited-edition basis for $25 at the following locations:br 








The Annapolis Bookstore, 35 Maryland Avenue

Annapolis T-Shirt Company, 159 Main Street

Christmas Corner & Guzzi’s Gifts, 110 Dock Street

Museum Store, 99 Main Street

Peake House, 74 Maryland Avenue

Reynold’s Tavern, 7 Church Circle

W.R. Chance Diamond Jewelers, 110 Main Street

The Annapolis Business Association partners with local merchants to sell the ornaments. Proceeds support holiday decorations for downtown Annapolis, making downtown an attractive holiday destination for both visitors and residents.