Area stores to host shop local events

An alliance of local business owners wants Libby residents to shop locally this holiday season. In order to promote local business and encourage local shopping, the alliance is hosting their fifth annual Shop Local Open House.

Local business owner Allen Olsen of Antler Tree Nursery & Gifts, started the event five years ago, working with other local shops to encourage Libby residents to shop locally. This year’s event, on Nov. 22, includes 14 different businesses within a 4.4 mile radius.

“Instead of driving for miles for Black Friday,” said Olsen, “people can find thousands of gifts at local stores. The local businesses are the ones who support the community and donate to causes.”

This year’s event will feature three large gift baskets, filled with donated prizes from each of the 14 participating businesses. Olsen estimates that each of the gift baskets contains between $175 and $200 worth of prizes. Shoppers, he added, have 42 chances to win one of the baskets. People can enter their name at each participating shop, and each entry has a chance to win one of the three baskets.

Carol Cady, who owns Mountain Meadows Gifts & Espresso, has participated in the event every year since its inception. She sees the event as a “great way to keep people in town” and is looking forward to working with other members of the business community to make this a successful event.

A similar promotion will be held Dec. 4. A collection of 10 stores will host a Girl’s Night Out event from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.

The businesses participating in the open house are: Antler Tree Nursery & Gifts, Mountain Meadows Gifts & Espresso, God’s Mini Mall, Vintage Collectibles Treasures, Libby Floral Creations, Rocky Mountain Music & Collectibles, The Joy of Books, Fresh Beginnings Spa, Montana Gallery USA, River Mist Home Décor, Studio 310, Managhan’s Furniture and Dee Dee’s Hidden Treasures.