The Early Bird saves the cash on Saturday, November 7, from 6 to 9 a.m. , when shops and restaurants throughout the Damariscotta Region open their doors early to offer deep discounts to shoppers. This is a great opportunity to get a jump on holiday shopping and spend your dollars locally, supporting businesses in your own community.

In addition to all the other great bargains that morning, the Chamber will start selling our 2016 “Beat the Winter Blahs!” cards. These cards entitle the owner to significant savings at Chamber members from January 15 through March 31, 2016. Cards cost only $20/card for savings on special discounts, bargains and gifts. Last year the savings potential exceeded $500—and we’re expecting more members to participate this year to make them even more valuable.

“The ‘Beat the Winter Blahs!’ card is a great way to save money during the dark of winter by shopping locally,” said Marva Nesbit, Chamber board president. “I sure enjoyed saving money with special discounts last year. I love a good bargain and the ‘Beat the Winter Blahs!’ card is filled with savings, so I’ll be getting one again this year!”

We will also hold a raffle drawing for the chance to win one of three “Beat the Winter Blahs!” cards. Shoppers only need to stop by the Chamber’s table in front of the Damariscotta River Grill between 6 and 9 a.m. to buy raffle tickets for $2 per ticket, 3 for $5.

The Annual Early Bird event is sponsored by the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce. Members of the DRCC have been invited to post their specials, door prizes and Early Bird information on the Chamber’s website for everyone to see, so check frequently for the latest bargains. To see the full list of members’ Early Bird bargains, go to our website (www.damariscottaregion.com), click on the big “Early Bird Specials” button at the top of the page. If you want to learn more about any business’s special, click on the gold button on the right.

The Chamber will also provide Early Bird discount cards for members’ employees who are working during the sale. They will be available for pick up in the Chamber office at 67A Main Street in Newcastle from Thursday, Nov. 5, and Friday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.