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In between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Asbury Park businesses are rolling out the red carpet in recognition of Small Business Saturday.

The holiday shopping event is coupled locally with sales and discounts, tree lightings, a showcase of decorated windows, live music, film screenings; and free parking from noon to 6 p.m.

In the Downtown:

The Asbury Park Merchants Guild is launching #alliwantAP, a social media campaign that allows participants to post a picture of the item they want with the store marker [i.e. #wordsap] and the hashtag to social media profiles like Facebook and Instagram. The postings create a wish list that family and friends can use to find a gift of your liking. The hashtag can be used throughout the year for birthdays, weddings and anniversaries, organizers said.

At 5 p.m. Saturday the inaugural Merchants Park Tree Lighting and Live Music event kicks off. The 20 foot tall tree will welcome visitors to the downtown’s gateway at Cookman Avenue and Main Street, and discounts to local businesses will be handed out. Shoppers also will be greeted with a little extra cheer with holiday movies screenings projected throughout the downtown corridor.

Junction Hall, the Second Life Bikes and Cowerks collaborative venture at 21 Main Street launches with a four-week Winter Market by the Asbury Fresh Farmers and Makers Market crew. The popup event will showcase over 30 artisans, makers, and small business sellers who will provide a variety of handmade and one of a kind gifts in time for the holiday season.

The market, running from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays through Dec 17, also features live music, a toy drive, free kids ornament making, and pictures with Santa.

Along the Boardwalk:

The Ninth Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. at the Grand Arcade inside Convention Hall [1300 Ocean Ave], with doors opening at 6 p.m. Hosted by Rich Robinson of 90.5 The Night, the event features a rock n’ roll Santa Claus and performances by The Weeklings, Yawn Mower, Nervous Triggers, DJ Foggy Notion, and The Ocean Ave Stompers.

Saturday also marks the kick off of the annual Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar, held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 18 inside the Grand Arcade.

The Holiday Bazaar features vendors, artists and makers selling one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and goods – handmade jewelry, accessories, clothing, art, photography, home goods, vintage, and food. New this year is a series of workshops at The Market Asbury Park, including holiday wreaths, macramé, and soy candle making.

“We’re transforming the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, one of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in Asbury Park, into a winter wonderland – reminiscent of holiday markets you would find in Europe,” said Jenny Vickers, event founder and organizer. “You can listen to holiday music and drink spiced wine or hot cider while shopping for amazing holiday gifts or take photos with Santa under a giant tree. We’ll also have a series of kids and holiday workshops, live art, and holiday pictures with Pop Shop Photo Booth. There really is nothing else like it around.”

Toy and Coat Drive:

Throughout town, businesses are joining forces in support of the Asbury Park Toy Drive. a wish list of needed items can be found via Amazon.com and monetary donations can be sent to Asbury Park Toy Drive, PO Box 1469, Asbury Park, NJ 07712.

Collection boxes are located in Hotel Tides, Georgie’s Bar, The Stone Pony, Asbury Park Roastery, Jimmy’s Restaurant, Frank’s Deli, DJs Delights, Dr. Chinicci’s office, The Dawg Joint, Silver Ball Museum, the historic Stephen Crane House, Asbury Park Towers, Anchors Bend, America’s Cup, Pure, Asbury Park Police Department lobby and inside the Asbury Park City Clerk’s office, Dark City Brewing, Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten, The Wonder Bar, and at Purple Glaze.

For more information, about the Downtown and Boardwalk events, visit www.facebook.com/apshuffle and www.facebook.com/TheAsburyParkBoardwalk. For more on Junction Hall and the Asbury Park Toy Drive, visit www.facebook.com/cowerks and www.facebook.com/asburyparktoydrive.

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