North Country Department Store: Buying local helps grow our economy!

The second annual “North Country Department Store” is Saturday, October 27, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Indian River Central School District’s Middle School, just off US Route 11 in Philadelphia.  As a part of my “Rediscovering Your Backyard” initiative, local business owners – artisans, farmers, food producers, antique dealers, shop owners and related organizations have been invited to create a department store filled with local products – just in time for the holiday shopping season. The event will benefit two local groups, Indian River Central School FFA and Noah’s Ark Pre-school, Redwood. Booth fees and door admissions will be divided between these organizations.  The organizations will be there to help with the event.

The department store will bring local businesses under one roof so that area residents can see just how much of their shopping they can do with local businesses. It will be similar to farmers markets, antique shows, craft shows, and artisan studio tours, but all at the same time. Come to start a wish list for yourself or to get started on your holiday shopping! There will be some children’s activities as well.

Last year’s department store was a tremendous success, bringing in over 60 businesses and hundreds of shoppers.  This year’s store is already shaping up to be just as big and diverse, with several new businesses participating.  There is still time for additional businesses to sign-up, but only for a couple more weeks.

Please contact one of my offices if you would like more information on the event or to register. You can reach my office by email at:  russella@assembly.state.ny.us or by telephone at (315) 786-0284 or (315) 386-2037. I cannot wait to see you there!