Join in the fun of what GARMA has to offer

​Join in the fun of what GARMA has to offer

Gettysburg is a destination location for many reasons. The obvious reason being the history of the battle. But as we all know, Gettysburg is so much more and has so much more to offer.

​All of the tourism factions of Gettysburg and Adams County do their part to bring visitors to Gettysburg with their creative and exciting annual events. GARMA also has a few events that we bring to the table to drive visitation to Gettysburg.

Our monthly event, that has been going on for quite a few years is First Friday, Gettysburg Style. Every month has a First Friday! What an easy way to remember when the event is held without having to know the actual date on the calendar.

Our First Friday Committee comes up with themes and events for member businesses so there is continuity in town as to what is being celebrated. Members are encouraged to be as creative as they like with those themes and events; the skies the limit. Businesses may stay open a little later than usual, have sale specials, activities, refreshments, live music, etc. The committee is dedicated to making First Friday a Destination Event for Gettysburg every month.

To find out what a GARMA member may be doing to celebrate, go to the First Friday page on the GARMA website and click on the logo of the business you’re interested in. You will be directed to either the business’s Facebook page or website.

GARMA also starts the holiday season with the annual lighting of the Gettysburg Christmas Tree. This event is always held the Friday evening after Thanksgiving (as we shoppers and retailers call it, Black Friday). GARMA has a great team of elves who pull this event together. You can enjoy the countdown to the tree lighting while sipping hot cocoa and listening to Christmas music. GARMA brings Santa into Lincoln Square and the jolly old elf asks everyone to help him countdown to 6 o’clock and yell “Light That Tree”. Afterwards Santa makes his way to his Shanty to greet all the children and their families (4-legged children included).

Our other big event is the bi-annual Gettysburg Outdoor Antique Show. Held the 3rd Saturday in May and the 4th Saturday in September, 2022 marks the antique shows 55th year. Vendors and shoppers line the streets of downtown Gettysburg looking for a good buy. However, the 2020 and 2021 antique shows have had quite a hurdle to overcome with the ongoing pandemic. Vendor numbers have decreased during this trying time. We can only look forward, never back, and hope that better times are ahead to bring you a great 55th year.
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GARMA operates with a 10 person Board of Directors. We are comprised of business owners and representatives of Gettysburg businesses who volunteer our time to help bring these events to this community. If you’re interested in becoming a GARMA member, please visit our website at www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com to fill out an application. If you are a current member and are interested in becoming more involved with GARMA, please email us at info@gettysburgretailmerchants.com. As is said, the more the merrier.
 
Jennie Dillon is the President of GARMA and owner of Artworks on York St. 

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