MINUTES of March 10 Meeting |
GARMA continued the tradition of the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on the evening of November 26, 2021 (Black Friday). People came out to Lincoln Square or watched the event from home! The event was live streamed on our Facebook page, for those far away or who wish to stay home and celebrate in warmth with family and friends. Santa arrived on the back of a truck to wish all a happy holiday season. Before heading to his shanty, Santa lit the center town square tree, all the while holiday tunes played in the background. Prior to the event, Santa’s Shanty was set up in its traditional spot on the ACNB/Open Minds quadrant of the square. Santa retired to his location and greeting kids of all ages. If you aren't able to visit with Santa, we are encouraging children to drop off their letters to Santa at mailboxes located in Artworks, 30 York St. and Best Western Gettysburg, 301 Steinwehr Ave. |
GARMA launches holiday gift certificate giveaway
The Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association (GARMA) board of directors will be popping into member businesses beginning Saturday and distributing $5 or $10 gift certificates to random shoppers.
“You never know when someone will show up,” GARMA Board President Jennie Dillon said.
Read More
GARMA's Holiday Season
Every year GARMA enjoys bringing the holiday spirit to downtown Gettysburg via our many decorations and celebrations. Outlined below is what will be occurring for Christmas 2021.
GARMA will continue the tradition of the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 26 (Black Friday). At 5:30pm the Square will be filled with holiday music and FREE hot chocolate will be served in front of the Gettysburg Hotel (hot chocolate courtesy of the Gettysburg Hotel). Streets will not be closed off during the event. The parking meters on Lincoln Square (just the circle) will be bagged during the event so people can gather on the sidewalks and overflow into parking spaces safely. At approximately 5:55pm Santa will make his way up York St. and into the Square. At 6pm Santa will light the tree.
After the tree has been lit, Santa will go to his Shanty on Lincoln Square (always parked in front of the Company K monument) and greet his visitors until 8pm.
Shanty Hours are
Fridays 11/26 – 12/17, 5pm – 8pm
Saturdays 11/27 – 12/18, 10am – 2pm and 3pm – 6pm
Sundays 11/28 – 12/19, 12pm – 4pm
For those that aren’t able to visit Santa in person this holiday season, mailboxes will be located inside Artworks, 30 York St. and Best Western on Steinwehr Ave. Children can drop off their Letters to Santa at these locations. They will receive a double-sided postcard, with a holiday drawing that can be colored, from Santa acknowledging their letters
This year GARMA has come up with an exciting idea to get customers to shop local. GARMA will be giving out $1000 in gift certificates to shoppers as they’re shopping!! GARMA Elves will be out and about this holiday season stopping in GARMA businesses and giving out GARMA gift certificates to random customers. They can use these toward their purchase in that business or in others. Please make sure that your staff is trained to accept GARMA gift certificates. If you have questions on how to accept gift certificates, and then redeem them to GARMA, please reach out to any GARMA board member.
GARMA again, in partnership with the Borough, will offer Free Parking during the holidays. Free parking is Monday – Thursday from 8am-8pm. Friday – Sunday will be toll parking. Parking is only free at marked meters – Lincoln Square, First blocks of Carlisle, York, Chambersburg and Baltimore Streets, and the first block of Steinwehr Ave.
As this year has challenged us all in one way or another, we hope that everyone will continue to thrive, stay safe, forge on and look for a brighter new year. We, the board members of GARMA appreciate your support and continued membership. We strive for the best in 2022.
Sincerely,
Your GARMA Board
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