Planning to shop local in State College for the holidays? Downtown businesses are encouraging community members to do so this weekend, before thousands of visitors arrive for Penn State’s College Football Playoff first-round game and the university’s fall commencement Dec. 21 and 22.
While the weekend before Christmas is traditionally the busiest for State College businesses during the holiday season, the Downtown State College Improvement District on Tuesday urged local residents to take advantage of the easier access to shops and restaurants and free parking that will be available this weekend (Dec. 13-15).
“Next weekend’s graduation and the College Football Playoffs will bring thousands to the area, but it may also make accessing downtown more difficult for local shoppers,” Kendra Kielbasa, DSCID retail and commercial business advocate, said. “We encourage everyone to shop early this weekend to find the perfect gifts while enjoying a festive and welcoming downtown atmosphere.”
Garage parking is free up to two hours and and up to three meter violations will be forgiven through Dec. 19 as part of the annual holiday parking program offered by DSCID and State College Borough. Participating merchants offer garage parking validation for those staying beyond two hours. Street meter and surface lot parking is also free after 5 p.m.
The weekend of Dec. 20-22, however, special event parking rates of $2.25 per hour will be in effect for garages and meters will be enforced. (From Dec. 23 to Jan. 4, garage, meter and lot parking will be free at all times.)
Local shoppers will also get a chance to enjoy the downtown Christmas decorations and the after-dark light show in the Martin Luther King Jr. plaza, as well as finding the holiday discounts and special offers available at many businesses.
An influx of local shoppers this weekend would be a boost to local businesses that have faced challenges this year, maintaining the annual swell of holiday commerce that some rely on followed a week later by an extra football weekend that will be a boon to others.
“Our small businesses are the heart of our downtown, and many of them faced challenges this year, including revenue losses due to construction disruptions along Calder Way,” Kielbasa said. “These retailers are here because they love this community but also need and rely on your support during this busy holiday season.”
