Think your pajamas are good only for shopping online? Think again. It’s summertime in St Petersburg, which means it’s time to put on your best jammies and head to the 45th Annual Downtown Business Association’s Sunrise Sale. The fun begins at 6:43 a.m. on Thursday, July 19, and lasts all day with the best deals being early. There’s something for everyone! Shop till you drop. Enter to win prizes in the pajama contests. Donate to a worthy cause. And eat cake!
Deals
Forty-five years ago, Beach Drive retailers inaugurated the very first Sunrise Sale. Since that time, it has evolved as the city has grown. Now, more than 40 businesses throughout Downtown and the EDGE District have joined the fun. Look for the yellow and orange balloons, and you’ll find Sunrise Sale participants offering some of their best deals of the year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to spend and save! Get a jump start on your back to school shopping or your holiday shopping. Stock up for the upcoming year of birthdays. Then, buy yourself a gift: You’re worth it!
Contests & Cake
Before you hit the sidewalks, give some thought to your shopping attire. This year’s Sunrise Sale Pajama Party is offering two prizes. Each of the winning pajama costumes will score a basket overflowing with gifts from participating merchants. If you think your pajama game puts you in the running for the most “local” or “unique,” then be sure to register before noon on sale day at the information booth on the steps of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. Even if you’re not registering for the contest, you’ll want to stop by: That’s where you’ll find the free cake, from Sweet Divas.
Donations
Great deals aren’t the only reason the Sunrise Sale is special. Every year, it also offers an opportunity to contribute to charity by providing clearly marked donation bags at each participating store. This year’s beneficiary is the Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco. Executive Director Patsy Stills says the the nonprofit organization’s mission is to “increase the number of adoptions of local foster children so that more children in foster care have a place to call home.” In order to do that, they “feature children, recruit families, and support families through the process.” In particular, the Heart Gallery focuses on helping the three most at-risk groups of children: teenagers, sibling groups, and medically needy youngsters. To further help the cause, the Cathedral Church of St. Peter has agreed to match all Sunrise Sale Day donations. So save a dollar; give a dollar; see that dollar double!
Where Can I Find Out More?
Up-to-date information for the Sunrise Sale is available on the Downtown Business Association’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DBAStPete/
For more information about this year’s featured charity, Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco, visit www.heartgallerykids.org/
