By Amiee Jewell–

University of Louisville students and Louisville residents alike will participate in the second annual “Holiday Cards Buy Local Shopping Tour” going on Friday, Nov. 30, and put on by UofL and the Louisville Independent Business Association (LIBA). Participants will be taken to a number of locally-owned businesses to knock out their Christmas lists while giving back to the community. Stopping at multiple shops along Barrett Avenue, East Market Street, Frankfort Avenue and Mellwood Avenue, shoppers will have a surplus of Louisville businesses to choose from.

The day of shopping will begin at 8 a.m., where attendees will have a small breakfast at the University Club on Belknap Campus before boarding the bus at 9 a.m. From there, the bus will make multiple stops to local businesses around the community, as well as stopping somewhere for lunch, before coming back for a closing reception from 4 to 6 p.m. According to Jennifer Rubenstein, the annual “Buy Local” shopping trip is a great way to get involved in the community. “[The trip] is a fun way to promote the independent businesses and you’re returning your dollars to your community.

With events held throughout the year, the Louisville Independent Business Association is constantly trying to show Louisville’s uniqueness off to visitors and residents. “I think there’s a real sense of pride in Louisville that seems to be growing stronger. People love the big-small town and have a lot of pride in it. I think the independent businesses foster that sense of community for Louisville,” Rubenstein said.

LIBA’s “Shift Your Shopping Contest” will be going on throughout the shopping trip, and will continue throughout the gifting season. Shoppers who purchase from five or more local stores throughout the holiday season, on and off the shopping trip, will be entered to win a $1,000 Buy Local shopping spree.

The deadline to sign-up for the annual shopping trip is November 26. The trip costs $35 and includes both receptions, transportation to and from the local stores, and door prizes. To register, call Anne Wissel at (502) 852-3533. For more details and a complete itinerary, visit www.louisville.edu/events.

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Photo courtesy www.ilsr.org