Fort Wayne & NE Indiana News

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Not Just A Shopping Trip, An Experience You Will Look Forward To!

You are invited to the seventh annual Holly Trolley Shopping presented by the Downtown Improvement District on Saturday, November 26th, from 11:00am-5:00pm in conjunction with Shop Small Saturday.

With its emphasis on small businesses, unique gifts, and a stress free environment, Holly Trolley isn’t just a shopping trip, it’s an experience you will look forward to! Six free trolleys will transport you around beautiful Downtown Fort Wayne as well as the Wells Street and West Main Corridors. Three different trolley routes will connect you to over fifty stops with more than 100 shopping opportunities, activities and dining options to choose from.

Each heated trolley is equipped with docents to provide information and assist you with trolley maps, giveaways, and more. Trolley riders will enjoy beautiful decorations and holiday music and the first 200 riders who join us at the Trolley Transfer Station will receive a free Holly Trolley commemorative gift tote provided by your Downtown Improvement District and Lake City Bank.

Participating businesses will be decked out in all their holiday splendor and include: Amazing boutiques, attractions and their attendant gift shops, pop-ups, art galleries, and great holiday activities like the Festival of Trees at the Embassy Theatre, Joyeux Noel at the Old Fort, 12 Days of Christmas at the Botanical Conservatory and more. Support your favorite locations while discovering new or recently opened businesses you may not even know about.

Many businesses along the routes will be offering special holiday items, one-day only discounts or goodies and refreshments to show their appreciation to shoppers who are choosing to shop local. Also, the Indiana Artisan Holiday Marketplace will be back at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. This year Holly Trolley Shopping attendees will get access to the Indiana Artisan Holiday Marketplace for only $5 (kids under 13 admitted free). With tastings, samples and the ability to shop from over 75 artisan vendors from around the region, Indiana Artisan Marketplace is an amazing opportunity to find a unique gift for that special someone.

Due to last year’s success, this year the Holly Trolley Transfer Station is back with a new location at the I&M Power Center Plaza at the intersection of Wayne and Calhoun Streets. The Downtown Improvement District Info Tent will be staffed and provide trolley maps and general information. There will be tables and chairs for riders to rest and patio heaters to warm up next to. Riders can catch a trolley for any of the three routes from this central transfer station and will also be in close proximity to great shops, activities, and dining options.

To find parking options around to the Holly Trolley Transfer Station, or close to your favorite store or activity, check out our full list of Downtown Parking options with rates, contact information and accompanying map at: www.DowntownFortWayne.com/Parking