This Friday: MOONLIGHT MADNESS & MORE

It's that time of year again! Federal Hill's Moonlight Madness is this Friday, December 14 starting at 8:00 pm. Shops will be staying open late for holiday shoppers, offering progressive discounts and specials.  Be sure to get your Passport and enter to win prizes.  

And, new this year, we've added a Tree Lighting to the festivities, with a little help from our friends at Federal Hill Neighborhood Association and SoBo Kids.  A tree (donated by Pork 'n Pine Tree Service, www.pork-n-pine.com), will be illuminated at the Rec Center (corner of Cross and Light) at 7:00 pm before shopping begins. There will be hot cocoa, cookies, and a special visit from Santa Claus.  Children are invited to make a decoration to hang on the tree.  

Also, during Moonlight Madness, you'll have the chance to vote on your favorite drink entry for the Signature Fest-of-All drink contest.  Voting will take place from 8:00 pm to midnight at Federal Hill Main Street.  The winning drink will be served during our Annual Fest-of-All gala in February 2013. 

Hope to see you on Friday!
Happy Holidays,

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

New Work from Federal Hill Gallery Owner Mark Cottman

For some time now, Mark Cottman of Mark Cottman Gallery (1014 S. Charles St.) has wanted to create a piece that pays homage to the contributions African Americans have made to the sciences.  The talented local artist has captured this spirit in his newest painting,  "African American Inventions".

The piece features inventions ranging from the mailbox to traffic lights and refrigerators.  In classic Mark Cottman style, the painting is captivating, colorful, and expressive.  Just in time for the holidays, the piece is now available for reproduction and print. 

This unique piece is getting attention. Mark was featured on WEAA 88.9 FM with Baltimore Jazz Alliance on Monday, December 3^rd for a meet and greet.  The event took place in his gallery.  

Stop by Mark Cottman gallery at 1014 S. Charles to see the original painting, or visit his Web site at www.markcottmangallery.com 

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

B'More Betty Opens in Federal Hill!

B’more Betty owner, Camille Edwards, is proud to announce she has opened shop and is ready for business! B’more Betty (1316 Light Street) buys and sells designer and vintage clothing and accessories for women.  It should be noted, however, that this is in no way a consignment shop.

Rather, Betty (which stands for Bringing Exclusive Trends To You) should be seen as a place where women can share, buy, and exchange their favorite clothing and accessories.   All types of styles are represented; sure to please any shopper. Ladies can find anything from J. Crew and Banana Republic to Louis Vuitton, Escada & Gucci at amazingly discounted prices.

A Federal Hill resident for a little over a year, Camille chose this location because she “loves the community and the people.”  I know I’m glad Betty opened up in time for the holidays!

A great chance to check out B'More Betty is during Moonlight Madness on Friday, December 14th.  This is one of more than 20 great Federal Hill shops and galleries participating by staying open until midnight and offering specials and light refreshments.  Free gift wrapping at Federal Hill Main Street, too!

Make sure to follow B’More Betty on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for her latest additions to the shop; great pieces will sell fast!

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Jenny Leigh Band to play at the 8x10

Exciting news for all Jenny Leigh Band fans: the Jenny Leigh Band will be headlining at the 8x10, Federal Hill's great live music venue, on Saturday, Dec. 15! Doors open at 8:00 pm.

Tickets are on pre-sale now at a discounted price, you can buy one here:  http://tinyurl.com/JennyLeigh8x10 

Also, with proof of ticket, fans can stop by nearby Ryleigh's Oyster and The Rowhouse from 6-8 pm for pre-show drink specials!

During the show, there will be plenty of giveaway and opportunities to get involved with the filming of their next music video.  Come out and see a great show and support local artist Jenny Leigh Band, always a favorite at Federal Hill Main Street street festivals!

Visit the Facebook event page here: Jenny Leigh LIVE at the 8x10

Or, check out the 8x10 website

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Announcing: Fest-of-All Drink Competition!

We have some exciting Fest-of-All news! This year, we're spicing things up by hosting the very first Fest-of-All signature drink contest!  Bartenders from Federal Hill establishments are encouraged to create a unique signature cocktail that will be served during our popular annual Fest-of-All Fashion Show and Gala (Saturday, Feb.23, as Baltimore Museum of Industry).

Contestants will bring his or her concoction to Federal Hill Main Street the night of Moonlight Madness (Friday, December 14) for sampling and voting.  We'll be open from 8 pm to midnight, as will local shops and galleries, so come by our office at 42 E. Cross Street for free gift wrapping and voting after you shop!

The winner of the drink competition will have their cocktail named the Fest-of-All signature drink and will get bragging rights for the entire year.  So far, we have seven competitors: Banditos, Brewer's Cask, Mother's Federal Hill Grille, Nobles, Porters, Ropewalk, and Stalking Horse.  

A little competition never hurt anyone, right?  We hope more of our local bartenders will join in the fun.

If you have any questions, call Federal Hill Main Street at 410-727-4500

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Coming Soon: A Tasty Tour of Federal Hill

Ah, ‘tis the season!

This year’s 17th Annual Festive Flavors is on Tuesday, December 4^th beginning at 6:00 pm, sharp, at Shofer's Furniture.  This popular and fun tour is the perfect way to get everyone in the holiday spirit!

With 30 restaurants & taverns and 15 shops & galleries in Federal Hill participating, this is a great event for new community members as well as long-time residents.  We have 12 groups that will rotate to seven different Federal Hill hot spots for food, drink, and fun. 

As always, the tour starts at a gallery or shop. Next, groups move on to restaurants for food and bars for drinks.  The last stop will be for dessert, of course!

There is still plenty of space in some groups, so if you’d like to join, give us a call! 

For more information on joining a group or purchasing a ticket, call 410-727-4500 or visit http://historicfederalhill.org/www/products/167.15

 

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Family-Friendly Federal Hill

Thirteen years ago, Federal Hill may not have been considered as family friendly as it is today.   There were limited family activities and barely any communication between parents.  Nowadays, we have a warm community feel and fun events that everyone can enjoy.  These awesome improvements are thanks in large part to the FedHillKids Listserv.

The Listserv has been a channel for parents and families all over Fed Hill to consign, swap, communicate, and plan.   Currently, there are over 1300 members and it’s still growing.  Whether you currently have kids or are expecting one soon, this is a great place to network with other South Baltimore parents.   

Moms and Dads can exchange everything, from strollers and toys to advice and news.  And the listserv isn’t limited to child-related matters. While political posting is not allowed, parents are encouraged to talk about local Baltimore issues that may affect families. 

Interested in joining the FedHillKids Listserv?  Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fedhillkids or contact the moderator at fedhillkids-owner@yahoogroups.com

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Small Business Saturday: Support Local Shops!

Who: You!
What: Small Business Saturday
When: Saturday, Nov. 24, after Thanksgiving
Where: Federal Hill (and Main Streets everywhere)
Why: To support our community and encourage shopping locally!

Sometimes, Black Friday can be a little too hectic, even for the seasoned shopper.  So this year shop on Small Business Saturday instead! For those who don’t know, Small Business Saturday is a movement started by American Express that encourages shoppers to support small businesses and buy locally.

Federal Hill is full of great shops and boutiques.  Businesses like these depend on their communities to thrive. And shopping locally has so many advantages, like it’s uniqueness! You’ll be buying something one-of-a-kind and full of Baltimore charm, and no one else will have it.

It’s fun! Make a day out of it, shop, stop for lunch at any of the great restaurants, and shop some more.  There’s no better way to support you community than to partake in Small Business Saturday the 24^th, after Thanksgiving. And why stop there?  Continue to shop locally all through out the year! 

“I live here, you live here, and this is our Main Street”

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern