Carlsbad Village shoppers can grab free gift cards, hunt for pint glasses and browse local stores during the annual Small Business Saturday celebration on Nov. 28.
The Carlsbad Village Association is organizing the event at the northeast corner of Grand Avenue and State Street, outside First Team Real Estate at 500 Grand Ave., according to the CVA's event page. The festivities run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The centerpiece is a Gift Card Giveaway Tree loaded with more than $2,000 in gift cards to Village restaurants and retailers, including $100 cards, according to a Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce blog post written by Jess Levy. No purchase is necessary to enter the drawing. The CVA is also providing restaurant gift cards and will offer shopping and dining discounts throughout the Village.
The first 150 people to check in at the CVA booth will receive a free reusable canvas tote bag. Recycled bags from the City of Carlsbad will also be available while supplies last, the CVA said.
Two activity-based hunts round out the afternoon. A retail scavenger hunt sends shoppers to lesser-known Village stores. Completing it earns an entry into a grand prize drawing. The Pint Glass Treasure Hunt, co-sponsored by Barrio Glassworks and Pure Project, is also returning. The Chamber post described the hunt as "back by popular demand." At last year's event, the hunt placed custom pint glasses inside participating businesses for shoppers to find and keep.
Live music is also planned, though performers have not been announced.
The event falls the day after Black Friday and is part of the national Small Business Saturday movement, which American Express founded in 2010.
Shoppers can find more details and updates at carlsbad-village.com/shopsmall. Public parking is available throughout the Village.
